Drivers set for 5 weeks of traffic hold-ups
TRAFFIC delays will be inevitable, Cheshire East Council admitted, as it confirmed FIVE weeks of closures on the Silk Road this summer beginning today.
The council says it will carry out essential maintenance on the footbridge crossing the major route into Macclesfield, with phase one beginning today ( July 24).
Until August 1 the southbound carriageway will be fully closed between Flash Lane roundabout and Brockhurst Roundabout between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
One of two lanes will be open during off-peak hours only.
A signed diversion route will be in place via the B5091 London Road, A538 Manchester Road, A538 Beech Lane and A537 Hibel Road.
Then on August 12 to 30 the northbound carriageway will be shut between the same points.
Again this will be between 9.30am and 3.30pm with one of the two lanes open in off-peak hours.
A signed diversion will go via the A537 Hibel Road, A538 Beech Lane, A538 Manchester Road and the B5091 London Road.
A council spokesman said: “Advanced signage will be positioned for all the works taking place, including variable message signage at key points to advise members of the public.
“Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times and local businesses remain open as usual.
“On-site personnel will be on hand to provide any help and advice to the public.
“Delays are inevitable but the council’s highways service has scheduled this work to be carried out during the school holiday period to minimise any delays and congestion.”
Motorists have already had a taste of what is to come when the southbound carriageway was shut last Monday morning, causing lengthy tailbacks.
The nearby B5090 Bollington Road is also scheduled for a closure from July 29 to August 1 for carriageway patching.
And brief closures of the Silk Road - late at night and very early in the morning - have been scheduled for a National Grid pylon maintenance project.