Early works set to begin on major Crewe highways scheme

Works to prepare for the delivery of a major highways scheme in Crewe will begin next week – with the main works set to get underway by summer.

The North West Crewe Package (NWCP) will see a series of highways and junction improvements made around the Leighton area to ease congestion and improve access to Leighton Hospital, as well as new and existing housing developments.

Ahead of the main works beginning, early enabling works for the scheme are being carried out by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Cheshire East Council and will take place from 31 January for around four weeks. 

During that time, two-way traffic light systems will be located on Middlewich Road and Minshull New Road, and a three-way traffic light system will be located on Smithy Lane, alongside other small sections of additional traffic management.

The traffic management will be operating from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “The North West Crewe Package will bring with it major benefits, not least improved connectivity between the Leighton area and Crewe and quicker routes to the hospital.

“It is great news that these early enabling works will soon be getting underway and I would like to thank motorists and local residents in advance for their patience and understanding while traffic management is in place.”

Eddie Lundon, area director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Cheshire East Council to deliver these essential improvement works.

“We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with the council whilst also benefitting the community in Crewe and Leighton, unlocking vital regional growth through local employment and supply chain opportunities.”

The NWCP will include the construction of a new road linking Smithy Lane, Minshull New Road and Middlewich Road (A530), as well as the realignment of Smithy Lane, Flowers Lane and improvements to other road junctions associated with the scheme.

The package also includes the extension of the Connect 2 walking and cycling route to Leighton Hospital and North West Crewe.

In addition, a section of Minshull New Road located outside Leighton Academy will be closed to traffic and will create a safer environment for children arriving and departing the school. 

The scheme, which is supported by £10m of funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, will bring opportunities for local businesses to expand and help to unlock the delivery of more than 1,200 homes and a sustainable community with new local services, green infrastructure, allotments, walking and cycle links, outdoor sports and recreation facilities and a new school.

It is part of an extensive strategic site development for Leighton, as part of the council’s approved Local Plan Strategy.