Welcome...

This website has been designed to provide you with all the information you need to know about the planned works to stabilise and improve Dan Bank Slope and the A626, Marple.

This includes:

• the background to the scheme;
• the current situation;
• details on what will happen next;
• information on how to stay updated and get in touch.

The first phase of the scheme is currently underway. You can find out the latest information and details about the proposed work scheduled to take place this summer in the current situation section.

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 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.

What has happened so far?

Phase 1 is to prepare the slope for the stabilisation works that are due to take place over the next three years. This, so far, has included a full ecological study of the area and carriageway investigation works.

The ecological and environmental study of the slope monitored the presence and breeding patterns of the wildlife around Dan Bank. The study has been taking place through the year and involved a series of surveys assessing the needs of the animals, plants and trees. It has now provided the Council with strategies to avoid or reduce any impact the work may have on the local environment.

The results from the carriageway investigation works carried out over the summer have determined the necessary work that needs to be taken over the course of the scheme. To date the works have gone well and have been finished ahead of schedule.

The next stage of Phase 1 will involve preparing the natural environment of Dan Bank, as detailed in Current Situation.

Current Situation

Further to the detailed ecological and environmental study that took place earlier in this year, the next stage of Phase 1 involves preparing the area for the stabilising works that will be carried out next year. This will involve essential landscape changes in the area, which will be kept to a minimum.

In order to carry out the works a 5 metre strip of verge alongside the road at the top of the slope needs to be cleared of vegetation. In addition, small sections of vegetation down the slope will also be cleared for drainage purposes.

Also, as part of these works, a number of trees will need to be removed. However, for every tree removed, the council will provide extra funding for improving and maintaining woodland around the area. The council will also reuse the removed trees on site to provide a habitat for the wildlife, as well as using them for river erosion protection purposes.

Throughout the work, precautions will be taken to ensure that the ancient soil within the woodland is protected. An ecologist will also be on site to ensure that the correct measures are taken to protect the plants and animals in the area.

• The verge works will commence on Monday 6th October and are scheduled to last for five weeks
• The first two weeks will be on the slope itself, with no traffic disruptions expected.
• The final three weeks will involve single lane working between Dooley Lane and Hill Top, using temporary traffic signals between the hours of 7:00pm and 11:00pm.

Historical Stones

During the verge clearance works, historical stones located in the verge will be identified in preparation for the works over the next few years. Prior to the main works in 2009 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.

What Happens Next?

PHASE 2:
2009-10

Construction work on Dan Bank slope only

The Council will begin work to stabilise the slope and halt the environmental damage to the slope. This will include anchoring the slope and improving drainage. Work will take place mostly off the highway, on the slope itself.

PHASE 3:
2010-11

Road reconstruction and completion of work to slope

Work will commence on the A626 to rebuild the road, including any improvements required as a result of the early design work. As part of the scheme, the Council will programme the work to keep disruption to a minimum for all users of the A626 during this time. Details of Phase 3 are yet to be confirmed and the Council will keep residents, businesses and commuters fully informed as the scheme progresses.

Keep Up To Date

For up-to-date information on the Dan Bank scheme, you can call the information line on:

0845 303 0343

This line is staffed Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, with an answer phone facility for out of hours calls.