Major new link road to be named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II

A major new link new road due to open later this year is to be named in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

At the request of the leader of the council, Councillor Neil Emmott, the council is applying for permission to name the road in Heywood as Queen Elizabeth II Way.

Cllr Emmott, other councillors and council officers want to create a lasting tribute to a remarkable head of state who devoted more than 70 years of her life to serving the nation and Commonwealth.

He said: “We were all terribly saddened at the loss of Her Majesty. During her long reign the Queen gave tireless service and really set the example of how we should behave as a council in providing a service to our residents.

“Naming the new road Queen Elizabeth II Way will create a lasting legacy that will echo down the generations and help ensure that Her Majesty’s remarkable contribution to our nation is never forgotten.”

The 2.2km road, which is based in south Heywood, will link from junction 19 of the M62 to Pilsworth Road. It is expected that heavy goods and commercial vehicles will use this new road, diverting traffic away from Heywood town centre and local roads, significantly easing congestion in the area.

The road is being built as a partnership between Rochdale Borough Council, National Highways, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester, Sisk and Russell Homes.

Funding of over £20m was secured between the public and private sectors.

Permission will now be sought for the Lord Chamberlain to name the road in honour of Her Majesty.