Background

Dan Bank supports a 500m section of the A626 stretching from its junction with the A627 (Dooley Lane) to the edge of the residential area at the western end of Marple.

The A626 is the main route of a possible three linking Marple to Stockport. It also provides a link to rural areas east of Stockport, including a number of villages through to Glossop in Derbyshire.

The map below shows the location of Dan Bank. To see an aerial picture of Dan Bank please click here. To access a scaleable map of Dan Bank please click here (External Link).

Stockport Road (A626) rests upon a slope that needs to be secured. The Council has been monitoring the slope for a number of years as it has suffered weather erosion causing the slope to slip. In more recent times the road has also been further damaged by the increase of traffic and the weight of vehicles. Localised repairs have provided a temporary fix but now the Council will start to develop a permanent solution to the problem, which will ensure the safety and stability of the road in the long-term.

In November 2007, Stockport Council were awarded £3.22 million from the Department for Transport for this work which will be carried out in three phases between 2008 and 2011.

Phase 1 involved preparing the slope for the stabilisation works that are due to take place over the next two years. This included a full ecological study of the area and carriageway investigation works.

Phase 2 (2009/10) involved anchoring the slope and improving drainage to stabilise Dan Bank and help reverse any environmental damage. Trial work was also carried out between 24 – 28 August 2009 to allow the engineers to analyse how long the work next year will take. This survey was completed ahead of schedule.

Phase 3 (2010/11) will involve rebuilding the road, including any improvements required and completing the stabilisation of the slope.

What has happened so far?

During 2008, investigation and preparation work was carried out to inform the remaining of the works over the next two years.

An ecological and environmental study was conducted on the slope that monitored the presence and breeding patterns of the wildlife around Dan Bank. The study took place during 2008 and involved a series of surveys assessing the needs of the animals, plants and trees. It has provided the Council with strategies to avoid or reduce any impact the work may have on the local environment.

Carriageway investigation works took place over the summer of 2008 and have determined the necessary work that needs to be taken over the course of the scheme. These works went well and finished ahead of schedule.

Phase 1 also involved preparing the natural environment of Dan Bank. Throughout October and November in 2008, parts of the verge and slope of Dan Bank were cleared of vegetation to prepare for the future works. A number of trees were removed during this work, and reused for river erosion protection purposes and as a habitat for the wildlife around Dan Bank.

During the verge clearance works, historical stones located in the verge were identified in preparation for the works over the next few years. Prior to the main works in 2010, the stones will be carefully removed and, after the work is complete, will be replaced in their original position or in the verge between Dooley Lane and Torkington Road.

In 2009, phase 2 took place and this involved the placement of drainage systems to take water down the slope and the strengthening of the brook (using the logs from the trees felled in 2008). An ecologist supervised the work to ensure the brook and local wildlife were protected. Access to Stockport Road was restricted for a week in August so trial work could be carried out. The engineers will use information from this trial to ensure the major works this year will run smoothly and efficiently with as little disruption to road users as possible.

What you said

After the August works in 2009 we asked you for your feedback on our communication and the road closure. We were delighted that 1,289 (that’s 13%) of you took the time to send us your views.

89% of those who replied said that they knew about the closure week and 94% said that the information was helpful.

The 3 most useful sources of information were:

• Newsletter
• Electronic road signs
• Diversion signs

These are the headlines of what you said. The full report can be downloaded by clicking here.

The work that took place in August 2009 went well. Here is what others have said:

The Bus Operators said: We encountered no problems during the road closure and the diversion routes worked well. The bus service 383 did wait a few minutes extra in the morning until the road was open at 6am, as previously agreed, but this did not have any lasting effect to the rest of the bus services.

The Emergency Services said: The organisation of the road closure meant that the fire and ambulances services were involved from the start. Systems were in place that let the engineers know if there were any emergencies so the road could be opened up quickly if necessary. The paramedic services were stationed at Marple fire station throughout the road closure so they could react immediately within the local area if any emergencies had occured.

From the Engineers: The works have enabled us to assess how long the stabilisation works will take next year, so we can now look at the most efficient ways in which the work can be carried out whilst keeping disruption to the minimum.

From the Traffic Management: As the road works finished ahead of schedule, the final road closure arranged for the Friday night was not required. The electronic signs the Traffic Management team had in place meant that all those travelling through the area were informed that the road was open. The team may use these road signs next year, dependent on the feedback received.