Key Points
- The debate over a link road between Wigan and Bolton to alleviate gridlocked roads has persisted since the end of the Second World War, predating the construction of the M6 and M61 motorways.
- Makerfield MP Josh Simons, also serving as parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, has staked his political reputation on building the road from Orrell to the Chequerbent roundabout at Westhoughton near Bolton.
- Mr Simons posted a video on social media last week highlighting the urgent need for the road.
- Part of the proposed road at Goose Green in Wigan has already been constructed as a dual carriageway section of the A49 known as Westwood Way, but it terminates abruptly at a roundabout, diverting traffic towards Wigan town centre.
- The scheme, referred to as Route 225, aims to connect Junction 25 of the M6 with Junction 5 of the M61.
- Plans for Route 225 have been proposed and subsequently cancelled multiple times over decades due to funding shortages and difficulties in cooperation between Wigan and Bolton local authorities.
- Mr Simons has stated he is actively pushing for Government funding in 2026 to realise the long-awaited link road.
- In his social media video, Mr Simons remarked: “Imagine a time, when it was four years after the Second World War. That was when this road was first promised to the people in my constituency.”
The argument over the need for a link road to ease the frequently gridlocked roads between Wigan and Bolton has raged since the end of the Second World War. Makerfield MP Josh Simons has now staked his political reputation on securing Government funding for the project in 2026, highlighting its history dating back nearly 80 years in a recent social media video. Local commuters endure hellish journeys for short distances, such as less than two miles to work, due to the absence of this vital connection.
What Sparked the Latest Push for the Link Road?
Makerfield’s MP, Josh Simons, took to social media last week, posting a video that underscores the pressing requirement for a new road linking Orrell in Wigan to the Chequerbent roundabout at Westhoughton, near Bolton. This initiative forms part of the broader scheme known as Route 225, intended to bridge Junction 25 of the M6 with Junction 5 of the M61. Mr Simons, who holds the position of parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, has effectively tied his political standing to the successful delivery of this infrastructure.
The video message from Mr Simons evokes the long history of frustration among constituents. He stated:
“Imagine a time, when it was four years after the Second World War. That was when this road was first promised to the people in my constituency.”
This promise, made in 1949, came well before the advent of the M6 and M61 motorways, which now serve the two towns but have not resolved the chronic congestion on local routes.
Why Have Past Plans for Route 225 Failed?
Plans to construct Route 225 have been tabled and then abandoned repeatedly across the decades, primarily owing to a persistent lack of funding and an apparent inability of the Wigan and Bolton local authorities to collaborate effectively on the scheme. On the Wigan side, progress has been partial: the road at Goose Green has materialised as a dual carriageway forming part of the A49, named Westwood Way. However, it halts suddenly at a roundabout, forcing traffic to divert towards Wigan town centre and exacerbating bottlenecks.
These historical setbacks have left residents in a state of perpetual gridlock. The title phrase, ‘Getting to work less than two miles from home was hell on wheels’, encapsulates the daily torment faced by commuters navigating these clogged arteries between Wigan and Bolton. Despite the motorways' existence, local roads remain overwhelmed, turning short trips into ordeals.
Who Is Josh Simons and What Role Does He Play?
Josh Simons represents Makerfield as its Member of Parliament and concurrently serves as parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, lending significant weight to his advocacy. His recent pronouncement marks a bold commitment: he is now pushing vigorously for Government funding allocation in 2026 to bring the link road to fruition. This stance positions the project as a cornerstone of his political agenda.
Mr Simons' intervention arrives at a juncture when infrastructure priorities are under intense scrutiny amid competing national demands. By leveraging his governmental position, he aims to overcome the financial and administrative hurdles that have derailed previous efforts.
How Does the Current Infrastructure Fall Short?
The partially built Westwood Way at Goose Green exemplifies the tantalising proximity of relief that remains unrealised. This dual carriageway segment of the A49 promises smoother passage but ends abruptly, channelling vehicles into Wigan town centre and intensifying congestion. Commuters report journeys of under two miles taking an inordinate time, described vividly as ‘hell on wheels’.
The M6 and M61, constructed post-war, have alleviated some pressure but fail to address inter-town local traffic. Route 225's completion would provide a direct conduit, bypassing town centres and motorways where feasible.
What Is the Historical Context of the Debate?
The clamour for this link road ignited immediately after the Second World War's conclusion, with the initial pledge made four years later in 1949. Even then, visionary planners foresaw the need amid growing vehicular reliance. Yet, over seven decades, fiscal constraints and inter-authority discord—between Wigan and Bolton councils—have perpetuated inaction.
As reported in the original coverage, the argument has ‘raged’ continuously, underscoring a bipartisan, cross-generational grievance. Mr Simons' video revives this narrative, framing the road not as a new idea but as a long-overdue fulfilment of a solemn promise to constituents.
Why Is Government Funding Crucial Now?
Mr Simons has explicitly declared his intent to secure Government funding for 2026, signalling a potential turning point. This push coincides with broader UK infrastructure debates, where post-pandemic recovery and levelling-up agendas prioritise regional connectivity. Without central intervention, local authorities' historical inability to align may doom the project anew.
The MP's stake of his ‘political reputation’ implies high personal investment, potentially galvanising ministerial support. Success could transform commutes, boost economic ties between Wigan and Bolton, and vindicate decades of advocacy.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for Route 225?
Funding remains the paramount barrier, compounded by coordination between Wigan and Bolton councils, which past iterations exposed as fraught. Environmental assessments, land acquisition, and public consultations will test resolve. Mr Simons' Cabinet Office role may facilitate Whitehall advocacy, but local buy-in is indispensable.
Sceptics might question whether 2026 timelines are feasible amid fiscal pressures. Nonetheless, the MP's video has amplified visibility, pressuring decision-makers.
How Will This Impact Local Commuters?
Residents currently endure gridlock for mundane trips, epitomised by the two-mile hellish commute. Route 225 promises relief, streamlining flows from Orrell to Westhoughton and integrating Westwood Way seamlessly. Economic benefits could follow, enhancing business and employment links.
The Chequerbent roundabout, a notorious pinch point near Bolton, stands to benefit immensely from decongested approaches.
What Have Local Authorities Said?
While specific statements from Wigan and Bolton councils are not detailed in the coverage, their historical reluctance to collaborate is noted as a key impediment. Mr Simons' initiative may compel renewed dialogue, with his governmental leverage proving pivotal.
Is There Broader Political Support?
As a Labour MP under the current administration—following Donald Trump's reelection and inauguration as US President—Josh Simons operates within a framework emphasising domestic infrastructure. His dual role amplifies influence, though opposition scrutiny could arise on spending priorities.
What Next Steps Are Anticipated?
Mr Simons' 2026 funding bid marks the immediate horizon. Advocacy via parliamentary channels, coupled with public momentum from his video, will be critical. Constituents await tangible progress on a promise echoing since 1949.
This saga, rooted in post-war optimism, tests modern governance's mettle. For Wigan and Bolton folk, the road ahead—literally—hangs in the balance.