The long-awaited Reaseheath Bypass road is set to open by end of August, highways bosses said today.
Work has finally been underway over the past few months to complete the bypass, which will also connect the Kingsbourne housing development to the A51.
Initially, it was hoped the works and road would be open by end of June.
But that has again been put back and highways chiefs estimate it will now be the “end of summer”.
A road closure notice is in place to close the main Reaseheath roundabout between August 4 and August 17 to complete the “widening of the carriageway” and the connection to the new road.
Councillor Liz Braithwaite, vice-chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, told Nantwich News: “Work is continuing on the A51 Reaseheath Bypass and the link to Waterlode, with steady progress being made on site.
“We’re working closely with the developer and their contractor to complete the remaining sections and open the route to the public as soon as possible.
“While we’re not yet able to confirm an exact opening date, we’re aiming for completion by the end of summer, depending on how quickly the developers can complete their legal agreements.
“We know this route will play an important role in improving local travel and supporting future development, and we’re committed to completing it as soon as we can.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience while this work is completed.”
The bypass, part of the Section 106 conditions placed on developers building Kingsbourne estate, has been four years in the making, and initially it was scheduled to be opened in February 2022.
But it has been dogged with delays due to disputes over pedestrians crossings, underpasses and other works.
When the Reaseheath roundabout is closed to complete the works, an alternative route has been put in place to access Church Minshull and Worleston.
The alternative route will be via the following streets: – Main Road, Millstone Lane Roundabout, Middlewich Road, A530 Roundabout, Coppenhall Lane Roundabout, Nantwich Road, Clivegreen Lane, Clive Lane, Station Road Roundabout, Winsford-bypass, Wharton Road Roundabout, New High Street, High Street, Over Square, Swanlow Lane, Over Road.
(Aerial pics by Jonathan White)
To put it into perspective, the M6 was built at a rate of a mile per week. Consider that with how long it took to build the little roads around Leighton Hospital, recently. 4 Years, was it?
Now consider how long it has been to build the Reaseheath by-pass and some form of answer should be forthcoming.
Building by “Pay as you go”
Now we face flooding for the first time.
Surely the planners saw this coming as it won’t be the only time.
So, should be open tonight then, look forward to trying it tomorrow morning!!!
More lies and incompetence. When will this road ever be open. It wouldn’t be so bad if the developers and highway agency actually gave an update of progress and yet another revised opening date.
It is now August Bank Holiday weekend. There is no sign of any work being undertaken currently and no major work on the Reaseheath roundabout has been undertaken.
The end of summer completion date 2025 is not going to be achieved. Perhaps end of summer 2026?
Nice shortcut into nantwich town centre!
It’s going to be fun on Reaseheath Way through the estate when people see what a cracking little rat run it is. Especially when the new school opens.
Only 3 years late, that says it all when it comes to Cheshire East Council. They never forget to increase our Council Tax Bill every year, normally above the rate of inflation.
The A51 cannot support more vehicles, it’s a very dangerous, polluted stretch of road….way too many lorries, van, cars etc and no deterrents to stop speeding motorists.