Government approval given to Middlewich Eastern Bypass

Cheshire East Council has today received long-awaited approval from Government for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass – securing grant funding to build this vital infrastructure scheme.

The council welcomes this positive decision. Unfortunately, the decision has arrived too late for construction of the bypass to be able to start on site this summer as originally planned, and therefore complete by autumn 2027.

In a joint statement, the Leader and Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillors Nick Mannion and Michael Gorman, said:

“Delivery of the Middlewich Eastern Bypass has been long-awaited and has overwhelming local support.

“Today’s news is a tremendous boost for Middlewich and the wider Cheshire East economy, and the council remains committed to delivering this scheme. However, the delay in the Government’s decision has come at a cost.

“The council submitted its revised business case to Government nine months ago and we had hoped for a decision back in February, which would have allowed construction of the scheme to start this summer.

“The economic and environmental benefits of the Middlewich Eastern Bypass are clear – but we must now assess how we can deliver it in light of the challenges caused by this delay. This includes rising costs, the need to retender contracts, and the expiry of essential technical surveys, such as ecology assessments.

“We look forward to working with the Government’s Department for Transport on this and will also be bringing a report to the highways and transport committee at the earliest opportunity.”

The bypass is expected to:

• Unlock up to 1,950 new homes and employment land
• Create up to 6,500 local jobs
• Relieve severe congestion at the A54/A533 junction
• Improve air quality and reduce noise in residential areas
• Enhance public transport reliability
• Improve access to the M6 and key employment sites

The 1.6-mile bypass will connect Pochin Way in the north of Middlewich to the A533 Booth Lane in the south, including a new bridge over the Sandbach-Northwich railway line. It will also feature a combined cycleway and footway, supporting the council’s commitment to active travel and greener transport.

The council will continue to keep residents and stakeholders informed as it reviews its options and next steps.