Cheshire East prepares for busy summer roadworks programme

Cheshire East Council is urging people to plan ahead this summer, as roadworks take place across the borough during the school holidays.

Much of this work is scheduled for the summer months, when conditions are more suitable for resurfacing and maintenance. Some schemes are already under way, although a small number have experienced delays due to periods of adverse weather, including heavy rain and spells of excessive heat, which can affect when certain treatments can be carried out safely.

With fewer vehicles on the roads during the holidays, essential work can also be completed with less disruption.

This year's programme includes a mix of resurfacing, surface dressing and micro-surfacing works to improve road conditions and extend the life of the network. 

• Resurfacing work is taking place at a number of locations, including Flag Lane in Crewe, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, and the A51 Nantwich Bypass 
• Micro-surfacing is due to begin at the end of July and continue into August on roads including Crewe Road in Shavington and Long Lane South in Middlewich; and
• The council's surface dressing programme is nearing completion on roads including the A50 Knutsford Road and the B5441 Chester Road. 

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

"This summer's programme channels our spending into road resurfacing rather than pothole repair. We are using different resurfacing techniques to ensure we get the best road conditions possible for our budget. 

“However, while residents will see improvements, there is simply not enough money to undertake the amount of resurfacing work that is now needed. Years of underinvestment in local road maintenance at a national level has left councils facing a growing challenge in keeping roads safe and reliable. 

“While motorists make a significant contribution through transport-related taxes to the Government, only a relatively small proportion - less than 3% - has been directed towards maintaining the local road network.

“The problem is certainly not unique to Cheshire East, but it has been too little, for too long and it now clearly shows. 

“Over the past decade, the estimated cost to fix all the potholes in England has doubled to £18.6bn. So, while the government’s extra £500m for road maintenance this year is very welcome, in reality it will only fix 1 in 37 potholes. It is just not going to deliver the scale of improvements that we all want to see.

“Therefore, I am asking for our MPs and central government to make a more meaningful investment in road resurfacing. We can then start to really tackle the pothole problems our residents continually face. Motorists pay handsomely to use our roads, and it is only right that they get a decent driving surface for their money.

“Additionally, we also recognise that our roadworks can cause inconvenience, so we thank people in advance for their patience. We are delivering much of the programme in the school holidays to make the most of quieter roads. We also coordinate the work with utility companies and other partners to minimise disruption too. 

“However, sometimes emergency repairs by utility companies are needed that clash with our roadworks. This invariably creates significant traffic problems. Unfortunately, we cannot quickly remove our road repairs and nor can the local households be left without essential services such as water, gas and electricity. It means both sets of repairs have to continue, even if it does cause additional traffic delays. 

"Therefore, please check your route before setting off and allow extra time for your journey if needed. Your understanding helps us carry out these essential improvements as safely and efficiently as possible."

Residents and businesses can view current and planned roadworks online at: 

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/roadworks