Work to complete the Sandyforth Green Gateway, which sits alongside the northbound M6 at Bryn between junction 25 and 26, is now moving ahead following an agreement between Wigan Council and National Highways.

Plans to rejuvenate the Wigan landscape comes after years of scarring caused by opencast mining.

Sandyforth Green Gateway overlooked by the busy M6 | National Highways

placeholder image — Sandyforth Green Gateway overlooked by the busy M6 | National Highways

National Highways said: “The £260 million motorway upgrade was fully-opened to traffic in December for National Highways by SMP Alliance on-site assembly partner Costain and included adding an extra lane as well as new technology and emergency areas in both directions along the M6 between Warrington and Wigan.”

Adding: “In a multi-million pound deal funded by National Highways and Wigan Council, with support from City of Trees, Sandyforth will become part of the Wigan Greenheart with a 30 year plan to bring it back to life.”

Work will also begin to complete the creation of new wetlands, grassland and areas of woodland. The area will also be open to visitors with a network of informal footpaths also being delivered.

Dave Cooke, National Highways senior project manager, said: “National Highways is committed to reducing the impact of our motorways and major A roads on the environment and communities they serve. For those of us on the M6 project supporting initiatives like the Sandyforth Green Gateway is a real opportunity to deliver a lasting legacy and support local aspirations for a greener borough and enhanced outdoor leisure facilities.”

Councillor Paul Prescott, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said: “We are intensely proud of our Greenheart which makes up around 2/3s of our borough. Working with National Highways and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Sandyforth in Bryn will be a stepping stone for native wildlife, and a haven for local people to enjoy.”

Adding: “It is also great for our planet; rewetting the grasslands will ensure that carbon stores are kept locked up from directly entering back into our atmosphere, helping the environment and specialised wildlife is given the chance to once again thrive.”

Money to support the Sandyforth project has comes from National Highways’ Environment Designated Fund which is helping National Highways to operate in an environmentally responsible way, while making sure sustainability shapes its work from start to finish.

This is all part of National Highways’ 2050 vision to provide a road network that supports the country’s transport needs but also protects and strengthens the natural environment and community wellbeing.