Roadworks return to shut down main route
ROADWORKS that began well over a year ago will be back this month with the total closure of a main road - but it is hoped only for two days.
The A537 Chester Road will be shut on February 15 and 16 so work on a roundabout as part of the Bollin Meadow development by Watkin Jones can be finished.
The scheme began in 2018 and has suffered a ‘catalogue of delays’ as well as causing severe congestion.
But it is vital that workers are off site after the two days this time as on Monday, February 17, nearby Fallibroome Road will be part shut for five days for Electricity North West (ENW) work.
Cheshire East Council has spoken to both parties in a bid to arrange the timings so there is no clash.
Councillor Nick Mannion, for Macclesfield West and Ivy ward, said: “That should not happen. There are road closures but they (Watkin Jones and ENW) are entitled to do it. They serve notice on the highways authority (Cheshire East Council) and then the highways authority try to mitigate and limit the disruption.”
The Chester Road roadworks began in September 2018 and there have been brief periods where they have disappeared, such as the two Christmas periods since.
But drivers have complained the associated temporary traffic lights have made the journey to the centre of Macclesfield 45 minutes instead of 15.
Coun Mannion has said previously: “This has been a catalogue of delays, the developer, I think, is taking far too long.”
While Watkin Jones, who are building a 75-home estate, has admitted the project ‘has taken longer than anticipated’ but says the reasons were ‘often out of our control’.
Should more than two days be required to finish off the work, then more time in the Easter holidays has been earmarked to close Chester Road.
Watkin Jones have been asked for comment.
Previously a spokesman has said: “It has been a complex project that has taken longer than we anticipated. This was for a number of reasons, often out of our control.
“We will recommence work in the new year and aim to get it completed as soon as possible. We thank residents for their patience and understanding.”
Tony Broome, from Electricity North West, confirmed its Fallibroome Road work is planned for five days starting February 17.
He said: “Engineers will be carrying out maintenance work on the underground electricity network. To ensure it is carried out safely, a single lane will be closed managing traffic travelling northbound from the junction of Chelford Road and Fallibroome Road.
“Our traffic management plans were agreed with Cheshire East Council.”
A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: “Chester Road will be fully closed on 15 and 16 February, with a further closure planned for between 6 April and 10 April.
“This is for essential works linked to a new housing scheme and the closure is planned for the half-term and Easter school holidays in order to minimise inconvenience.”