The major A51 route at Reaseheath in Nantwich was finally re-opened this morning (November 17th) after a 48-hour closure caused by flooding from Storm Claudia.
The closure, between Barony Road and Wettenhall Road junctions, has caused traffic problems in and around the town all weekend.
Emergency services were called on Sunday afternoon after a car became stranded in several feet of floodwater which stretched right across the carriageway.
A passing freight truck driver assisted in towing the vehicle to safety, with support from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who helped move the car clear of the road.
Police had urged motorists not to remove road closure signs, cones or barriers, warning that doing so puts other drivers at risk of becoming stuck.
Despite this, some motorists reportedly moved cones in an attempt to pass through the flooded area and avoid a diversion.
Cheshire East Council’s highways team and police were back on the scene this morning as water was finally cleared and the road re-opened.
The situation comes amid wider concerns about drainage capacity on UK roads following prolonged rainfall.
The AA has highlighted that persistent flooding can lead to road damage and pose risks to both drivers and cyclists.
Local residents say this stretch of road has not previously experienced flooding and note that drains were cleared around six weeks ago.
Some have questioned whether the issue may be linked to drainage, nearby new developments, or the unopened Reaseheath Bypass.
Despite a number of inquiries to Cheshire East Highways in recent weeks, they have still failed to confirm an opening date for the new bypass.
(Additional reporting and pics by Jonathan White)
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