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A57 road
A57 road
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A57 shield
A57
The A57 in trunk road mode - geograph.org.uk - 2534237.jpg
The A57 in Salford (near M60 Junction 11)
Major junctions
West endLiverpool James Street railway station
Major intersections
East endLincoln
Location
CountryUnited Kingdom
Primary
destinations
Road network
A56 A58

The A57 is a major road in England. It runs east from Liverpool to Lincoln via Warrington, Salford and Manchester, and then through the Pennines over the Snake Pass (between the high moorlands of Bleaklow and Kinder Scout), around the Ladybower Reservoir, through Sheffield and past Worksop. Between Liverpool and Glossop, the road has largely been superseded by the M62, M602 and M67 motorways. Within Manchester a short stretch becomes the Mancunian Way, designated A57(M).

Route

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Liverpool–Warrington

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The A57 begins at The Strand (A5036) near the River Mersey, as part of Water Street. It forms an east–west route through the north of the city centre with another one-way road system as Tithebarn Street[citation needed] (passing part of Liverpool John Moores University), Great Crosshall Street and Churchill Way in the east direction and Churchill Way and Dale Street in the west direction. The connecting roads Moorfields and Hatton Garden are also part of the A57, which join the east and west directions. In both directions, Churchill Way crosses the A59 near the entrance of the Queensway Tunnel. It overlaps briefly with the A580 as Islington, separated as two one-way roads, then becomes Prescot Street, passing the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. At the junction with the B5340, it becomes Kensington, meeting the A5089 to the south and B5188 to the north, becoming Prescot Road. It crosses a railway at Fairfield passing St Anne's Church on the left, overlapping with the B5189 Green Lane to the north. It meets the A5047 to the south near a Tesco and the B5189 at Old Swan. At the junction with the A5058 Queens Drive it enters Knotty Ash (with Alder Hey Children's Hospital to the north), becoming East Prescot Road and a trunk road. There is a roundabout and it enters Dovecot before it passes through Huyton. It meets the A526 Seth Powell Way to the north (for the M57), becoming Liverpool Road, At junction two of the M57, it meets the B5194 Knowsley Lane to the north and B5199 Huyton Lane to the south, and the start of the A58. It passes through Prescot as the non-trunk Derby Street then High Street. It meets the A58 again and becomes a trunk road, then meets the B5200 (former route of the A57) at a roundabout, becoming Warrington Road. It crosses the Liverpool to Wigan Line near Scotchbarn Leisure Centre. It meets the B5201 to the north opposite Whiston Hospital. It passes through Rainhill, meeting the B5413 near the railway station. It passes Rainhill High School to the left, then St Bartholomew RC Primary School. At junction 7 of the M62, it meets the A557 (for Widnes) and the St Helens Linkway A570 (for St Helens). The road runs along the road from junction 7 for about 1 mile (1.6 km), then it meets the B5419 at a crossroads, and the A569 to the left at Bold Heath near the Griffin Inn. At Lingley Green it enters as Liverpool Road, passing the Trigger Pond pub on the left. It crosses the Liverpool to Manchester Line (southern route). At Great Sankey, it becomes a dual-carriageway and meets the A562 at a roundabout.

Warrington–Manchester

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A milestone along the A57, indicating the Warrington and Lower Irlam Turnpike Trust road, near Rixton. The opposite side gives the distance to Warrington.

The original route through Warrington town centre included the narrow Sankey Street, which required special narrow buses to be operated. The road now bypasses Warrington town centre via a new elevated road, Midland Way, before emerging at a roundabout junction with the A49. The road loses its trunk road status and becomes School Brow. Warrington Parish Church, St Elphin, is to the right, near the right turn for Church Street. The road becomes Manchester Road, and meets the A50 at crossroads. It passes through Bruche, home of a former police training centre, and its running track. At Paddington, the road becomes dual-carriageway as New Manchester Road, passing close to Woolston Community High School. In Woolston, it becomes Manchester Road. It passes a 40 mph (64 km/h) speed camera near Woolston Leisure Centre and enters Martinscroft. At junction 21 of the M6, it becomes a trunk road and meets the B5210 Woolston Grange Avenue at a roundabout, then passes the Mascrat Manor at another roundabout. It traverses Rixton Moss, passing Ramswood Nurseries. It passes briefly through Rixton, with a right turn for Warburton over the Warburton toll bridge, and becomes dual-carriageway at Hollins Green. At the end of the dual-carriageway is a left turn for the B5212 for Glazebrook and its railway station, and then it crosses Glaze Brook] as Liverpool Road, entering the metropolitan district of Salford.

Irlam bypass being built in September 2005

There is a new roundabout with the former road through Cadishead, and a new section of the A57 follows the Manchester Ship Canal, on the route of the MSC Railway. The former route is partly the B5417 (and the B5320 is an earlier route), continuing as Liverpool Road. The £11.3 million Cadishead Way opened on 16 September 2005. It meets the B5417 at a roundabout near Northbank Industrial Estate. It passes under the railway near the junction of the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal, and there is a left turn for the B5311. There is a new roundabout next to Irlam Locks and the Boat House pub and another with the B5320 at the end of the Cadishead Way, which bypasses Irlam. Entering Eccles as Liverpool Road, it passes Boysnope Park Golf Club on Barton Moss, where the road becomes dual-carriageway. It passes the City Airport Manchester on the left (AKA Barton Aerodrome before March 2007). At Peel Green, it meets the M60 at junction 11, with the Barton High Level Bridge and Barton-upon-Irwell close by to the south.

Patricroft Bridge over the Bridgewater Canal

Soon after this junction the road enters Patricroft and is no longer a trunk road, passing the Unicorn pub. It meets the B5211 at crossroads (Patricroft Bridge) and crosses the Bridgewater Canal, then there is a left turn for the B5231 (Green Lane) towards Patricroft railway station and Monton. Before long it enters the centre of Eccles proper, splitting into two as Church Street and Irwell Place going east, passing the library and a Morrisons, and Corporation Road going west. It meets a roundabout near the Eccles terminus of the Manchester Metrolink. It becomes the dual-carriageway Bentcliffe Way, meeting the A576 (for Trafford Park. It leaves the A576 near junction 2 of the M602, heading east as the single-carriageway Eccles New Road. It passes the Ladywell tram stop on the right and meets the A5185 to the left. The Metrolink follows the road on the right hand side. There is the B5228 to the left near the Weaste station. In Weaste, there is the Langworthy tram stop near the A5186 left turn where the Metrolink leaves the road to the south. The road runs parallel to the M602 100m to the north.

Regent Road entering from Salford

The road becomes the trunk road dual carriageway Regent Road at the junction with the terminus of the M602 and the A5063 (Albion Way north for the A6, and Trafford Road south for Salford Quays). It is now the main route into Manchester from the west, meeting the A5066 at crossroads, passes a Sainsbury's on the left, then meets the B5461 and crosses the River Irwell where it enters the city of Manchester. There is a left turn for the A6143 Water Street (for Castlefield) and it becomes Dawson Street, is crossed by the Metrolink (for Altrincham), passes over the Bridgewater Canal and Cheshire Ring, then becomes Egerton Street. It runs into the A57(M) – the Mancunian Way at the GSJ with the A56 Bridgewater Way. The Beetham Tower Manchester is seen nearby to the left.

Manchester–Sheffield

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Mancunian Way

It leaves the A57(M) at the A6 exit and follows Downing Street, and Ardwick Green South, passing through Brunswick and the Ardwick Green Barracks of the King's and Cheshire Regiment. The A6 leaves at a roundabout, and the road temporarily loses its trunk status. At the Ellen Wilkinson High School, it meets the A665, and becomes a trunk road as Hyde Road. It crosses under a railway and meets the A6010 at crossroads. It passes through Belle Vue, meets the B6178 (for Levenshulme), crosses a railway near the Belle Vue railway station, entering Gorton. It meets the B6167 (for North Reddish). It enters the borough of Tameside, becoming the dual-carriageway Manchester Road.

It meets the M60 at junction 24, and divides into two east and west routes next to Denton railway station on the left and a Sainsbury's on the right, either side of the M67. They meet and the road loses its trunk status, entering Denton, passing the Christ Church Denton] on the right. It meets the A6017 at crossroads, becoming Hyde Road with a Morrisons on the right. It meets junction 2 of the M67, which follows the road, near the church of St Anne and crosses the River Tame, becoming Manchester Road. It crosses the Peak Forest Canal and goes under the Hope Valley Line near Hyde Central railway station. The A627 overlaps and there it meets junction 3 of the M67 with an Asda on the right as it passes through Hyde as Market Street and Union Street and passes Tameside College on the right. It leaves the A627 to the right as Mottram Road, with a Morrisons on the left next to the M67, entering Godley and passing under the Glossop Line near Godley railway station and Godley Reservoir. It passes through Hattersley, and mets the final junction of the M67 – junction 4 – at a roundabout with the dual-carriageway A560 (for Stockport).

Passing through Glossop

It resumes its trunk road status as Hyde Road, passing through Mottram in Longdendale, where there are crossroads at traffic lights with the B6174. Leaving Mottram, it meets the A6018 to the left (from Stalybridge) at traffic lights. It becomes Mottram Moor and at the next junction, it leaves to the right, with the A628 continuing straight on. It loses trunk road status and becomes Woolley Lane, passing through part of Hollingworth. It crosses the River Etherow, entering Derbyshire and the High Peak district. It enters Brookfield and meets the A626 (for Marple) from the right. It passes under the Glossop Line, at the Dinting viaduct, again near Dinting railway station as it passes through Dinting and the primary school. The A6016 leaves to the right and the road enters Glossop as High Street West passing a Tesco on the left. It meets the A624 (for Hayfield) and the B6105 at crossroads in the middle of the town, near Norfolk Square and the railway station. It becomes High Street East, passing Glossop Leisure Centre on the right. There is a roundabout and it becomes Sheffield Road, then Woodcock Road as it leaves Glossop and enters the Peak District National Park (Dark Peak). There is a sharp bend to the right and it becomes Snake Pass.

It climbs up Holden Clough and at Featherbed Moss, it is crossed by the Pennine Way at the summit at 1550 ft, with the hills of Bleaklow to the left and Kinder Scout to the right. Here it enters the National Trust's High Peak Estate. It passes the Doctor's Gate and follows the Lady Clough valley downhill to a point where Lady Clough meets the River Ashop, passing the Snake Pass Inn on the left. It follows the River Ashop closely to the north in the Woodlands Valley for about 4 miles (6.4 km), and leaves the High Peak Estate. It crosses the River Alport. It crosses Ladybower Reservoir at Ashopton Bridge. It meets the A6013 (for Bamford) and passes the Ladybower Inn. It climbs the valley and passes over Cutthroat Bridge. It is at about 1200 ft as it enters South Yorkshire and the city of Sheffield. It follows down the hill as Manchester Road past Hollow Meadows.

The Rivelin valley

Following the hill down into Sheffield, it passes the New Norfolk Arms on the left, with the Rivelin Dams on the right with the Rivelin Rocks high on the left, and leaves the Peak District National Park. At the Rivelin Mill Bridge it crosses the River Rivelin and the A6101 leaves to the left. It passes the Bell Hagg Inn on the left, then the Sportsman in Crosspool. It enters Tapton Hill and passes the Lydgate Junior School and Tapton School. It meets Fulwood Road in Broomhill. The B6069 leaves to the right, and it becomes Whitham Road.

It passes Weston Park Hospital and as Western Bank, it passes Sheffield Children's Hospital then the Octagon Centre on the right and becomes the dual-carriageway Brook Hill, passing straight through the University of Sheffield with its Arts Tower and Alfred Denny Building seen to the left, and the Hicks Building seen to the right. It becomes Broad Lane in Netherthorpe, passing the former Jessop Hospital and then St George's Church in Portobello (now part of Sheffield University). At a roundabout it passes the City Plaza, becoming Tenter Street then Westbar Green. It becomes West Bar, passing the Law Courts on the left, then the police headquarters and former Castle Market on the right as Bridge Street. It passes close to the River Don on Castlegate, becoming Exchange Place. It becomes the Sheffield Parkway (built in 1974), Sheffield's main route to the M1, meeting a roundabout.

Sheffield–Worksop

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View towards Mosborough

It meets the A6102 at a GSJ, near the Sheffield Park Academy. At Bowden Housteads Woods, it leaves to the right at a GSJ, passing Athelstan Primary School becoming single-carriageway (three lanes). It passes the City School in Richmond and meets the B6064 at a roundabout, being followed by the Trans Pennine Trail. It passes Hackenthorpe and meets the B6053 (for Crystal Peaks) at a roundabout, becoming a short section of dual-carriageway until another nearby roundabout at Beighton. It crosses the River Rother, entering the borough of Rotherham, and meets a roundabout.

View towards Aston

It crosses the Sheffield to Lincoln Line and at the roundabout at Swallownest with the former route (B6200) turns right onto Aston Way. At Aston, it meets the A618 from the left, then the A618 leaves to the right at the next roundabout. The Aston Relief Road ends where it meets the M1 at junction 31, just after the junction for the former route (B6067). It becomes the dual-carriageway Worksop Road, and now the level of traffic increases as it is a major east–west route. It becomes single-carriageway and meets the B6463 from the left, near Todwick and Red Lion Inn. At South Anston, it meets the B6059 at the Shell Worksop Road station. It crosses a railway and Lindrick Common near Woodsetts.

Worksop–Lincoln

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Worksop bypass

The 5-mile (8 km) £11.3 million Worksop Southern Bypass opened in May 1986. It starts at the roundabout with the B6041 (for Gateford and the former route through Worksop). The next short section is dual-carriageway to the Shireoaks roundabout, which also has access to the Gateford and Dukeries industrial estates. It becomes single-carriageway and crosses the Sheffield to Lincoln Line, at the junction with the Robin Hood Line, and over the Chesterfield Canal. It meets the A60 (for Worksop) at the Rhodesia Roundabout, near Rhodesia, a Sainsbury's and a McDonald's. The next short section, overlapping with the A60 and crossing the River Ryton, is dual-carriageway to the roundabout with the A60 (for Mansfield) and B6024, near the Shell Dukeries Garage and the Worksop Starbucks and Travelodge. From here, it is single carriageway (excluding the A1 section). There is a roundabout with the B6034 (for Ollerton) near Worksop College and Portland School.

Little Chef (now closed) at Markham Moor, a former petrol station designed by Sam Scorer

It passes the former site of Manton Colliery, and a large B&Q depot on the left. There is a roundabout with the B6040 (former route through Worksop), which has access to Manton Wood Enterprise Zone. It passes a large Wilkos depot on the left and goes through Clumber Park. It meets the A1 at the Apleyhead Junction, with the A614, also known as Five Lanes End. The former roundabout was grade-separated in November 2007. Via the A1, it passes Elkesley (on the former route) with two 50 mph speed cameras and the Retford Gamston Airport, where it crosses the River Idle. Prior to the A1(M) Doncaster bypass opening in August 1961, this section of the road was the A57 – the A1 (now A638) went straight through Retford. Near to West Drayton it crosses the River Maun; this section shared with the A1 was dualled in the late 1950s, and the West Drayton Diversion was a completely new section, with the bridge over the Maun and Markham Moor roundabout, and opened in February 1957.[1] At the next roundabout with the A638 (for Retford) and B1164 (for West Markham) at Markham Moor (again being grade-separated) there is the Markham Hotel and two Little Chefs, including one (originally a petrol station) designed by Sam Scorer with a hyperbolic paraboloid-shaped roof that was threatened with demolition but was listed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport in 2012.[2] The Markham Hotel is currently situated on the former pre-1957 route, 330 yards to the north, and there are two large Markham Moor Shell stations. It leaves up the steep Cliff Gate to the left, which now has a crawler lane over Beacon Hill. It bypasses East Markham (on the former route to the south), and crosses the East Coast Main Line. 550 yards east of the village it resumes its former route. It meets the A6075 (for Tuxford and Ollerton) from the right west of Darlton where it passes St Giles' Church. There are turns for East Drayton to the left and Ragnall on the right, and the power stations of Cottam and (former) High Marnham are to the north and south, with many lines of pylons following the Trent.

Dunham bridges over the Trent

It goes through Dunham on Trent, where it passes the White Swan, Bridge Inn and St Oswald's Church; the width of road through the village is not suited for the volume of traffic. It crosses the River Trent at Dunham Bridge (toll, rebuilt in the mid-1970s), entering Lincolnshire and the district of West Lindsey as Dunham Road. The Trent Valley Way joins at Dunham and leaves to the south at the other end of the bridge. It meets the A1133 (for Gainsborough) at a staggered junction at Newton on Trent; the former route of both routed went through the village along High Street – 330 yards east of the junction it resumes the former route (Southmoor Road further to the south). On entering the parish (but not the village) of Kettlethorpe the road formerly followed the turn for Thorney (in Nottinghamshire) to the right, and then further to the south, with the new section of road resuming the old route close where it crosses Darnsdyke. The road follows the boundary of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire for about 2 miles (3.2 km), and this section of Lincolnshire encloses former parishes in Nottinghamshire. The Fossdyke Navigation runs alongside from the junction with the A156; the road becomes Gainsborough Road passing Drinsey Nook, with the A156 taking priority from the left (north) at the traffic-light-controlled junction. On the bend at Drinsey Nook, the road briefly re-enters Nottinghamshire – the Fossdyke is the boundary. At the junction with the B1190 at Tom Otter's Bridge, the boundary follows the B1190 to the south, along Ox Pasture Drain. It approaches Saxilby and crosses the Sheffield to Lincoln Line and Fossdyke, meeting the B1241, for Sturton by Stow.

Crossing the River Till

It crosses the River Till as Lincoln Road; a former section of the road from here passed closer to Odder Farm to the north. There is a roundabout, where the road rejoins the old route, for Burton, and Burton Waters marina, then the road enters the borough of Lincoln at the bend in the road to the left before Bishop Bridge (over Catchwater Drain and Main Drain) and meets the A46 Lincoln Bypass at a roundabout. It enters Lincoln as Carholme Road passing the Total Winning Post Service Station, with Carholme Golf Club to the right, then meets the B1273 Lincoln inner ring road, becoming Newland, where it passes the offices of Lincolnshire County Council on the left. It follows the dual-carriageway Wigford Way next to Brayford Pool and the University of Lincoln, over the River Witham, where it meets the B1262 High Street. It becomes St Mary's Street and passes the railway station on the right. It splits into Oxford Street, Pelham Street and Norman Street where it meets the A15 at Pelham Bridge, close to the large Siemens engineering company.

Although the terminus of the road is in Lincoln, most of the A57 follows the former Liverpool-Skegness trunk road, created by the 1946 Trunk Roads Act. The road from Lincoln to Skegness was formerly also known as the A158.

History

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1979 - Snake Pass potential closure

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In 1979, the Department for Transport considered closing the Snake Pass section with traffic to be diverted to use the A628.

1985 - Opening of Aston relief road

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The 3-mile (4.8 km) £4 million Aston relief road in Sheffield opened in mid-1985, with the old route now designated as the B6200.

2017 - Transpennine road upgrade

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In 2017, Highways England announced a consultation for upgrades to road in the Transpennines. This includes:

  • Upgrades to the Westwood roundabout near Sheffield; packaged with technology improvements along the A628, A616 and A61, including electronic signs and improved closure gates
  • Creation of two new link roads at the western end of the A57/A628 route, to provide a dual carriageway bypass around Mottram in Longdendale[3]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The A57 road is a major in , extending approximately 122 miles (197 km) from in the west to Lincoln in the east, designated under the Trunk Roads Act 1946 as a key east-west route connecting , , , and . It begins at the Liverpool waterfront near the Royal Liver Building, heading east through and before entering , where it includes the elevated A57(M) , a nearly 2-mile urban motorway opened in 1967 to bypass congestion and facilitate industrial traffic flow between eastern Manchester, the docks, and . From , the route climbs into the , crossing the National Park via the scenic but hazardous Snake Pass, a high moorland section reaching 1,680 feet (512 m) at Snake Summit, known for its steep gradients, frequent closures due to weather and landslips, and status as a "persistently high-risk road". The A57 Link Roads scheme is projected to increase accidents on Snake Pass by over 160 casualties over a 60-year period due to higher traffic flows. Continuing eastward, it descends to via the city's inner relief and Parkway, then proceeds through and to meet the A1 before terminating in Lincoln, historically following alignments like the canal and incorporating toll bridges such as Dunham Bridge near . Primarily a single-carriageway with dual sections in urban areas, the A57 serves as a vital trans-Pennine link for local and long-distance traffic, supporting economic connectivity between major conurbations while facing ongoing challenges from congestion, safety issues, and environmental impacts in protected landscapes. Recent developments include the A57 Link Roads scheme, approved in 2022 at an estimated cost of £180.6 million (later revised to approximately £228 million as of 2025), which adds a 1.12-mile dual-carriageway bypass around to alleviate bottlenecks and improve journeys toward . Construction began in December 2024 and is ongoing as of November 2025, with utility diversions and site clearance in progress, expected to complete by 2028–2031 and enhance resilience against the route's notorious weather vulnerabilities.

Overview

Description

The A57 is a major road in , designated as a primary A-road under the United Kingdom's numbering established in 1923. It serves as a key east-west connection, functioning in part as a managed by , with various sections subject to specific trunking orders. The route totals approximately 122 miles (196 km) in length. Starting at Liverpool's waterfront opposite the historic Three Graces buildings, the A57 heads eastward through the urban landscapes of and . It continues across the via the challenging , traverses , and terminates in at Lincoln. This path links major industrial and port cities, facilitating regional connectivity as part of the broader trans-Pennine network.

Significance

The A57 road plays a vital role in regional connectivity across , linking major urban centers such as , , and to facilitate freight transport and commuter traffic through the industrial heartlands of the North West and . This trans-Pennine corridor supports economic activity by enabling efficient movement of goods between ports, hubs, and distribution centers, while also bolstering in surrounding areas like the . Traffic volumes on the A57 vary significantly along its length, with urban sections experiencing higher flows; for instance, the stretch near records an (AADT) of approximately 29,000 vehicles, underscoring its importance for trans-Pennine trade. In contrast, the more rural section handles around 4,200 vehicles per day, yet remains critical for cross-regional commerce despite lower volumes. The portion of the A57 holds significant scenic and cultural value as one of the UK's most renowned driving routes, winding through the dramatic landscapes of the National Park and offering panoramic views that attract tourists, motorcyclists, and hikers year-round. Its historic construction in and elevation of nearly 1,700 feet enhance its appeal as a gateway to , contributing to local economies. However, this popularity is tempered by frequent weather-related disruptions, such as and landslips, which can lead to closures and affect visitor access. Key challenges for the A57 include severe congestion in urban bottlenecks like Mottram, where volumes cause and elevated , impacting local communities and economic productivity. Additionally, the route's vulnerability to environmental hazards—such as winter on elevated passes and occasional accidents—results in frequent partial or full closures, disrupting freight and commuter flows across the region.

Route

Liverpool–Warrington

The A57 road originates at The Strand in , positioned near the River Mersey and adjacent to the historic docklands area. From this starting point, the route heads eastward initially along Water Street, which operates as a one-way system for westbound traffic, before transitioning to elevated sections such as Churchill Way to navigate through the dense urban environment. This initial stretch passes through commercial and residential districts in northern , providing connectivity to key local infrastructure. As the road progresses eastward, it traverses and enters , weaving through a blend of suburban residential neighbourhoods and industrial estates that reflect the area's post-industrial character. Further on, it continues through and , where it encounters more mixed urban landscapes, including housing developments and light industrial sites, while maintaining a primarily urban navigation profile. The route features several roundabouts and local intersections to manage in these populated zones. A notable aspect of this segment is its integration with the motorway network, including a grade-separated crossing of the M57 at Junction 2 near and an interchange with the M62 at Junction 7 close to , complete with dedicated slip roads and roundabouts for efficient access. Beyond these links, the A57 resumes its primary designation towards , intersecting with the A49 upon arrival. The entire portion measures approximately 15 miles (24 km) and consists mainly of single-carriageway configuration, supplemented by short dual-carriageway sections at major junctions to accommodate higher traffic volumes.

Warrington–Manchester

The A57 segment between and covers approximately 20 miles (32 km), serving as a key connector between the two urban centers and facilitating regional from the west. This stretch transitions from semi-rural approaches to dense urban infrastructure, with the road primarily functioning as a primary route linking industrial and residential areas. To avoid congestion in Warrington's town center, the A57 bypasses via Midland Way, which runs concurrently with the A574 as an elevated road, providing a direct eastbound path and reducing through-traffic impact on local streets. Beyond the bypass, the route upgrades to a dual-carriageway configuration, enhancing capacity before intersecting the at Junction 21 near Woolston, where it offers access to broader national networks. This integration supports efficient movement for commuters and freight heading toward . Entering from the west, the A57 follows Regent Road through before transitioning to Road, navigating industrial zones and approaching the city core. A notable feature is the A57(M) , an elevated dual-carriageway section nearly 2 miles (3.2 km) that bypasses central traffic, opened in 1967 to alleviate urban bottlenecks. As the route nears , traffic density intensifies, with peak-hour volumes often exceeding 80,000 vehicles per day, underscoring its role in regional economic connectivity.

Manchester–Sheffield

The Manchester–Sheffield section of the A57 begins at the eastern end of the , an elevated urban motorway that serves as a for central . From there, the route continues eastward as a non-motorway , passing through the suburbs of Denton before reaching Hyde, where it follows Hyde Road southward to meet the M60 orbital motorway at Junction 24 (Denton Interchange). The road then proceeds through the town of Hyde without a , navigating residential and commercial areas before ascending gently toward , a narrow single-carriageway section prone to congestion due to its passage through the village center. Leaving Mottram, the A57 climbs into the Longdendale Valley, intersecting the at its eastern terminus near the Woodhead Tunnel portal. It continues to , crossing the town on a single-carriageway alignment that meets the A624 at traffic lights, marking the transition to more rural terrain. From , the route enters the iconic , a winding trans-Pennine crossing of the that reaches its highest point of 521 metres (1,710 feet) at Snake Summit. This 13-mile (21 km) stretch features sharp hairpin bends, limited overtaking opportunities, and a 50 mph , making it a challenging drive amid scenery. The descends toward the , which the A57 crosses via a constructed as part of the reservoir's 1943 impoundment, offering views of the Derwent Valley. The single-carriageway alignment remains susceptible to weather-related closures, particularly from snow or landslips, as evidenced by a major incident in 2008 that shut the road for over a month. Beyond the reservoir, the route joins the A6013 briefly before continuing southeast through the Hope Valley, passing near and the eastern edges of the National Park. Approaching from the west, the A57 follows Manchester Road and Fulwood Road, climbing the Western Bank before merging onto the elevated Sheffield Parkway, where it concurs with the A61 for the final approach into the city center. This approximately 40-mile (64 km) segment transforms from urban thoroughfare to rugged Pennine traverse, renowned for its scenic appeal but demanding careful navigation due to its gradients and exposure.

Sheffield–Worksop

The A57 segment from to covers approximately 18 miles (29 km) of roadway, blending urban industrial zones with suburban and rural stretches across and into . This portion begins at the Sheffield Inner Ring Road in the , where it connects with inbound traffic from the west, including the scenic but challenging descent. From there, the route proceeds east along the Sheffield Parkway, a with segregated lanes (S2+1 configuration in parts) engineered to circumvent the heavy congestion of central and expedite travel through the eastern suburbs like Darnall and Handsworth. Approaching the eastern edge of Sheffield, the A57 reaches the Aston Interchange at M1 Junction 31 near Tinsley, a major trumpet junction providing seamless access to the motorway for north-south travel and integrating the A57 into the broader regional network. Beyond this point, the road skirts the northern outskirts of Rotherham, passing through semi-industrial areas including Brinsworth and Whiston, where it transitions from urban dual carriageway to more varied alignments amid factories and residential developments. In the Aston district, the route employs Aston Way, a dedicated expressway section that streamlines navigation around local traffic pressures and roundabouts, maintaining momentum toward the east. East of Rotherham, the A57 narrows to a single-carriageway as Worksop Road, weaving through increasingly rural landscapes dotted with farmland, woodlands, and villages such as Wales Bar and . This latter phase highlights a shift from the industrial and suburban character near —marked by steelworks remnants and commuter hubs—to quieter, agricultural terrain that underscores the road's role in linking urban with Nottinghamshire's countryside. The overall mix supports local freight movement and commuter flows while navigating terrain that includes gentle hills and occasional flood-prone lowlands along the route.

Worksop–Lincoln

The Worksop–Lincoln section of the A57 traverses approximately 28 miles (45 km) of predominantly rural terrain in and , serving as a key eastbound link from the industrial to the historic city of Lincoln. This segment connects to the near via prior junctions and shifts from the more urban influences of the west into expansive agricultural landscapes, with the road primarily consisting of single-carriageway configuration interspersed with short dual-carriageway portions. Commencing east of Worksop town centre, the route incorporates the 5-mile (8 km) Worksop Southern Bypass, a mix of dual-carriageway and single-carriageway alignments with large roundabouts that diverts traffic away from the town centre congestion, linking the A60 from the west to eastern exits toward the B6040. The bypass skirts the southern edge of before proceeding through wooded areas near National Trust estate and reaching the grade-separated Apleyhead junction, where it briefly joins the A1 trunk road in a multiplex alignment toward Markham Moor services, offering indirect access to nearby approximately 2 miles to the north. Beyond Markham Moor, the A57 diverges eastward on a single-carriageway, bypassing the village of East Markham via a short realignment and continuing through flat farmlands to the A6075 junction at Darlton. A significant feature of this stretch is the crossing of the River Trent at Dunham Bridge, the sole vehicular crossing between Newark and Gainsborough, where drivers encounter a toll booth operated by the Dunham Bridge Company; as of November 2025, the charge is 50p for cars and small vans (with a proposed increase pending approval), with motorcycles exempt and larger vehicles subject to higher fees. East of the bridge, the road enters , passing through the hamlet of Drinsey Nook alongside the Fossdyke Navigation canal before intersecting the A156 from Gainsborough at a staggered , providing connectivity to that town about 3 miles north. The route then follows a rural single-carriageway through agricultural fields, incorporating a short 700-yard of Saxilby village (established in 1937) that crosses the Fossdyke canal and a railway line via bridges. Approaching Lincoln, the A57 maintains its single-carriageway form amid increasing suburban development, crossing the Witham Navigation via a bridge before terminating at St Catherine's Roundabout on the southern outskirts of the city, where it meets the A46 Lincoln and local distributor roads like the B1308. This endpoint facilitates onward travel toward the via Tritton Road or integration with the A46 , emphasizing the section's role in linking remote rural areas to urban amenities while navigating flood-prone Trent terrain.

History

Early development

The origins of the A57 road lie in a network of historic pathways that evolved over centuries, incorporating elements of ancient turnpike roads and, in parts near Lincoln, alignments influenced by Roman routes such as those branching from . The eastern section from Lincoln to particularly follows the Lincoln to Worksop Turnpike, established in 1756 to improve travel and commerce between eastern and the industrializing ; this supported early services, including a daily route from Lincoln to that boosted roadside inns and local economies. Western segments, such as those linking and , similarly developed from 18th- and 19th-century turnpikes designed to connect coastal ports with inland manufacturing hubs, though these were often narrow and poorly maintained by parish authorities before turnpike trusts took over. The A57 was officially designated in 1922 as part of Great Britain's inaugural classified road numbering system, implemented under the Ministry of Transport Act 1919 to standardize and prioritize national routes based on traffic volumes. This Class I road stretched from in the west to Lincoln in the east, passing through key urban centers like , , and , and was mapped in Ministry of Transport editions by 1923. The numbering scheme, finalized in spring 1922 after wartime delays, aimed to facilitate maintenance grants—up to 50% of costs for Class I roads—and signage, marking a shift from local roads to a coordinated national network. Following its designation, the A57 saw initial infrastructure enhancements in the and to accommodate the rapid rise in use, including surfacing with tar-macadam and selective widening to support heavier commercial traffic. Notable early projects included the 1937 Saxilby Bypass in , a 700-yard deviation with a 24-foot , 5-foot footpaths, and ferro-concrete bridges over the canal and railway, completed at a cost of £47,000 and employing 80 workers over two years to eliminate village congestion. Similarly, the 1937 Bishop's Bridge reconstruction in Lincoln provided a 30-foot within a 45-foot-wide structure, while the 1938 Elkesley Bypass in introduced an 80-foot over 800 yards to straighten dangerous bends, reflecting broader efforts to modernize the route for inter-urban reliability. From its inception, the A57 served as a vital artery for industrial connectivity, linking Liverpool's bustling port—handling imports of raw materials like cotton and exports of manufactured goods—with factories in and during the early motor age. This east-west corridor facilitated the efficient movement of , , and textiles between northwestern ports and Pennine mills, underpinning the of these industrial powerhouses before specialized bypasses altered alignments.

Major bypasses and upgrades

In the late , several significant bypasses and upgrades were implemented along the A57 to alleviate congestion in urban and suburban areas, particularly in the –Worksop and Worksop–Lincoln segments. One early project was the Aston Relief Road, a 3.2-mile single-carriageway bypass that opened in November 1984 at a cost of approximately £5 million, designed to divert traffic away from the villages of and Swallownest near . This relief road improved local traffic flow by providing an alternative route around the congested A57 through these suburbs, reducing journey times and enhancing safety. The Worksop Southern Bypass followed in 1986, comprising a 5.5-mile single-carriageway extension that opened on 1 May at a cost of £11.4 million, bypassing the town center of in . Constructed to relieve heavy through-traffic on the original A57 alignment, the bypass connected the existing road network south of the town, significantly cutting delays for vehicles traveling between and Lincoln. Further improvements came in the early 2000s with the completion of Cadishead Way near Manchester, where the second stage—a 1.5-mile link—opened on 16 September 2005 at a cost of £11.6 million, enhancing access to the A57(M) motorway. This upgrade, part of the broader Irlam Bypass scheme, rerouted the A57 away from the centers of Irlam and Cadishead, improving connectivity to industrial areas and reducing congestion on local roads in the Warrington–Manchester section. In 2007, the Apleyhead Junction near Lincoln underwent grade-separation works, replacing a previous with a flyover structure to improve at the A1/A57/A614 . Opened to traffic in October 2007, this £multi-million project (part of a larger A1 series) eliminated at-grade conflicts, boosting capacity and safety for east-west A57 traffic crossing the north-south A1 in the Worksop–Lincoln corridor.

Trans-Pennine improvements

In 2017, Highways England announced the Trans-Pennine Upgrade as part of the first Road Investment Strategy (RIS1), a £15 billion program to enhance strategic roads between 2015 and 2021, focusing on the A57/A628 corridor between and to address chronic congestion, safety issues, and limited resilience across the . The initiative, valued at £242 million in , aimed to improve journey reliability and economic connectivity by upgrading key bottlenecks, including technology enhancements and junction realignments, while integrating with adjacent Pennine routes like the A616 and A61 to provide alternative paths during disruptions such as severe weather on the challenging terrain. A core element involved upgrades to the Westwood roundabout at the A616/A61 junction in Tankersley near , completed in 2021, which included widening approaches, signalized crossings, and resurfacing to reduce delays for over 40,000 daily vehicles and enhance traffic flow. These works were bundled with technology installations, such as electronic variable message signs along the A628, A616, and A61, to provide real-time traffic and weather information, alongside improved drainage and safety barriers to mitigate risks from the route's hilly sections. Further improvements targeted Mottram in Longdendale, where the project—later rebranded as the A57 Link Roads scheme—advanced with extensive consultations in 2017-2018 for a new link road from the M67 junction 4 to the A57(T) at Mottram Moor, designed to bypass congested local roads and ease pressure on the approach by diverting through-traffic away from residential areas. The scheme received development consent in November 2022, with main construction beginning in early 2025 at an estimated cost of £228 million as of 2024, seeking to cut journey times by up to 10 minutes and boost network resilience by offering a more robust alternative to the vulnerable A628 Woodhead Pass during closures. Overall, these upgrades formed a cohesive to strengthen the Trans-Pennine corridor's capacity and adaptability, supporting regional growth while minimizing environmental impacts through targeted interventions rather than wholesale reconstruction.

Future developments

The A57 Link Roads scheme was first announced in as part of the 's Road Investment Strategy (RIS1) for the 2015/16–2019/20 period, aimed at addressing long-standing traffic issues in the Mottram area. The project faced multiple delays due to legal challenges and funding uncertainties but received final approval and funding commitment from Chancellor in November 2024, with commencing in December 2024. This initiative forms a key extension of earlier Trans-Pennine upgrades, such as the 2017 improvements at the A57/A628 Westwood junction, by providing dedicated bypass infrastructure to enhance connectivity between and . The scheme involves the construction of two new link roads totaling approximately 2 miles (3.1 km) in length: the Mottram Moor Link Road, a 1.12-mile (1.8 km) bypassing Mottram village from M67 Junction 4 to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor, and the A57 Link Road, a 0.81-mile (1.3 km) connecting the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to the A57 at Woolley Bridge. Estimated at £250 million, the project seeks to divert heavy goods vehicles and through-traffic away from congested local roads in , where existing bottlenecks—exacerbated by the proximity to the M67 and A628—frequently cause severe delays. By alleviating these pressures, it is projected to reduce congestion in the Mottram area by up to 30% and improve journey times by 5–10 minutes for trips between and , based on transport modeling that accounts for time savings across vehicle classes. Construction is ongoing as of November 2025, with utility diversions, sign installations, cable removals, major earthworks, vegetation clearance, and building demolitions completed along the route; opening is anticipated by 2028, with full completion expected by 2031. The project has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding its impact on the National Park and Green Belt, including potential increases in traffic on the adjacent A628 Woodhead route (up to 1,100 additional vehicles daily by 2040) and habitat disruption during construction. has committed to mitigation measures such as ecological surveys, replanting schemes, and noise barriers to minimize these effects.

Snake Pass safety enhancements

In July 2025, the UK allocated £7.6 million from its Safer Roads Fund to implement targeted safety enhancements on the A57 , a 23-mile stretch between and renowned for its steep gradients, twisting bends, and exposure to adverse weather. These improvements address the route's high accident rate, with data from 2018 to 2023 recording 169 collision casualties, including 5 fatalities and 62 serious injuries, primarily attributed to blind junctions, steep inclines, and slippery conditions during rain or ice. Key measures include the installation of up to 10 average speed camera sites equipped with reminder signs to enforce safer driving speeds; upgrades to the junction at A57 and Manor Park Road in , involving road narrowing and reduced pedestrian crossing times for better visibility; and a new at the Dinting Vale to facilitate safer access to the nearby railway station. Further enhancements focus on resilience, such as advanced restraint barriers designed to prevent motorcyclists from sliding underneath during crashes—a common issue on this popular route for over 30,000 weekly vehicles, including cyclists and bikers—and the application of anti-skid friction surfacing at high-risk bends and collision hotspots to improve traction in wet conditions. The project represents a collaboration between , which is leading the delivery with £6 million of the funding, and the Sheffield City Region, contributing £1.6 million, in partnership with to ensure compliance with national standards. A public consultation is scheduled for later in 2025, with construction expected to commence in 2026 to minimize disruption during the peak tourist season.

References

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