Motorists could face traffic nightmares for up to eight-weeks as the A530 Middlewich Road in Nantwich is closed due to flood damage.
The busy route was badly damaged when a burst water main flooded the area with the junction at Colleys Lane.
Now Cheshire East highways engineers have closed the road after edges of the carriageway were washed away.
Middlewich Road will be closed between Alvaston roundabout and Marshfield Bank roundabout, and an advisory diversion route for all vehicles will be signed via the Nantwich bypass, the A500, David Whitby Way, Weston Road, Macon Way, Earle Street, Vernon Way, Dunwoody Way, West Street and Copenhall Lane.
It could take six to eight weeks to finish the repairs.
A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said: “Investigatory work has confirmed that there has been substantial structural damage to the main highway.
“Both edges of the carriageway have collapsed and there is a risk of further collapse.
“The council is faced with no alternative but to close the road completely in the interests of public safety.
“The extent of repairs required could take between six and eight weeks to complete.
“Investigatory work is ongoing and so this timescale may change.
“Middlewich Road will be closed between Alvaston roundabout and Marshfield Bank roundabout, and an advisory diversion route for all vehicles will be signed via the Nantwich bypass, the A500, David Whitby Way, Weston Road, Macon Way, Earle Street, Vernon Way, Dunwoody Way, West Street and Copenhall Lane.
“The diversions will operate in both directions.
“Access will be maintained for businesses and motorists are advised to plan their journey accordingly.”
The knock-on impact to traffic, particularly at peak times, is already being felt across Nantwich and Crewe.
Traffic along the Nantwich bypass is backing up to The Secret Orchard pub in Nantwich at peak times.
Traffic has increased through Wistaston along Wistaston Green Road and Church Lane since the road closure, along with Crewe Road and the bypass at Nantwich.
Access to Middlewich Road from Colleys Lane to The Rising Sun is currently unaffected.
Access to Alvaston Hall is also unaffected from The Rising Sun end of Middlewich Road
Alvaston Hall, The Rising Sun pub and The Rising Sun Nurseries are open as usual.
The Crewe-Nantwich Greenway path – used by walkers, joggers, cyclists and the occasional horse rider – is also open as usual.
Further information visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways and follow on Twitter @cechighways
(Pics courtesy of Jonathan White)
Why are they not using Colleys lane as the diversion route seeing there is still access to middlewich road