Cheshire East Council bosses say they will make their “biggest investment in 10 years” in a bid to improve the much-criticised state of local roads and the transport network.
The authority has announced Investment plans which will see more than £53 million spent on improving the condition of the borough’s highways and infrastructure.
It will include major repairs to the A530 in Wistaston and an extension of the demand responsive ‘Go-Too’ bus service to the south and west of Nantwich.
They also say it will enhance bus services and provide better routes for walking, wheeling or cycling.
Th funding comes from the council’s own investment of £14.4m for activity this year, as well as Government funding of more than £38.6m.
This includes a Transport Grant of £7.75m, which will be used for a range of transport improvements, plus a £5.4m Local Bus Grant, and up to £5.5m additional Government funding for highways maintenance works.
Cllr Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “This investment will deliver real improvements that people will see and feel in their daily lives – spending money where it will have the greatest impact.
“Whether it’s smoother roads, better bus connections, or safer routes for walking and cycling. We’re committed to making Cheshire East a better place to live, work, and travel through safer, greener, and more accessible transport options.”
Work over the next 12 months will be carried out on key A-roads across the borough, including the A530 Middlewich Road in Wistaston, the A534 Congleton Road (between M6 J17 and Arclid traffic lights), and the A500 Newcastle Road in Haslington.
Other repair works will be along the B5470 Macclesfield Road in Rainow, closed due to a landslip, and phase one of a 1.5-mile walking and cycling route between Wilmslow town centre and Handforth, along the existing B5358 Manchester Road.
The council’s current “16-19 Bus Saver'” discount scheme will be continued, there will be upgrades at bus stops and an extension of ‘Go-Too’ near Nantwich.
Cllr Goldsmith added: “Our priority is to keep Cheshire East moving and help people to get from A to B – whatever form of transport they use.
“Clearly, despite the significant investment we will make this year, we still don’t have enough money to do everything we’d like to do. This is especially true for roads maintenance.
“We will continue to push the case for more and sustained government funding for our highways network and prioritise where we make investment – focusing on using the right treatment, in the right place at the right time.”
Annual planned highway schemes for 2025-2026 can be viewed at cheshireeast.gov.uk/roadrepairprogramme
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