Link Road at Junction 19 officially opens

Posted by on 2 Nov 2022

A major new route through south Heywood, is now open to the public, marking the culmination of years of tireless work by the RDA, Rochdale Borough Council and its partners.

Rochdale Borough Council collaborated with Rochdale Development Agency, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, National Highways, Russell Homes and lead contractor, John Sisk and Sons. £20m was invested into the scheme from both the private and public sectors. 

The major new road will connect motorists from junction 19 of the M62 through to Pilsworth Road, giving much improved access to Heywood Distribution Park and other existing employment areas. In addition, it will open up land for new development including up to 1000 new homes, 1.45m sq. ft. of new employment space, a new village centre including a primary school and shops and new sports and leisure facilities. The link road will also improve access to the forthcoming Northern Gateway, a key part of the Atom Valley Strategy, which straddles the boroughs of Rochdale, Bury and Oldham.
It is estimated that up to 35,000 heavy goods vehicles will be removed from Heywood Town Centre, as they will use the link road. Commercial vehicles travelling to Heywood Distribution Park, will no longer need to divert to the M66 and use smaller roads for the last mile. This will result in a reduction of thousands of miles every year.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration for the council and RDA Board member, said: “This is a real boost for Heywood town centre businesses and residents. It is the start of great things to come for Heywood as we encourage people to use the town more which includes a new growth plan.”
The road will be known as Queen Elizabeth II Way in honour of Her late Majesty,