OPTIONS are to be explored to try and improve the town's road links with Manchester.
Barnsley Council's ruling cabinet has given the go-ahead for a consultation on road links between Sheffield City Region, which Barnsley is part of, and Greater Manchester.
They considered a report on Wednesday outlining potential benefits for Barnsley, as well as looking at some of the limitations of the existing cross-Pennine road infrastructure.
It is understood the government aims to complete the study later this year and would include the Woodhead Pass trunk road corridor and the A628 between junction 37 of the M1 and Flouch.
The existing connection between South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester is poor, cabinet members have been told but Woodhead Pass is the only real option.
However, the road was closed no fewer than 27 times over the past year due to adverse weather or traffic incidents.
