Dear Editor,
After what has felt like a very long wait, it was pleasing to see the A51 Reaseheath Bypass finally open to traffic, bringing an end to a four-and-a-half-year delay to a scheme that was originally due to open in February 2022 as part of the Kingsbourne housing development.
As many readers will know, I had suggested earlier this week that the road looked close to opening, so it was encouraging to see vehicles using the new route on Saturday (18th July). https://thenantwichnews.co.uk/2026/07/14/letter-long-awaited-reaseheath-bypass-set-to-open-but-questions-remain-over-impact/
The new spine road will provide a north-south link between the A51, B5074, Nantwich Bypass and Barony Road near Reaseheath College.
Once fully complete, the existing section of the A51 through Reaseheath will become a local access road, helping to reduce congestion and improve journeys around Nantwich while supporting future development.
Although traffic is now flowing in both directions, the project is not yet fully complete. Temporary traffic lights are in place at the Welshmans Lane end of the bypass, while the road through the Kingsbourne estate has yet to open.
I walked the length of the new road on Saturday and was delighted to see it finally in use.
Interestingly, despite the walking and cycling infrastructure on both sides of the carriageway, my friend and I were the only people using the footpaths during our visit.
There is, however, one issue that I hope will be addressed before the scheme is officially finished.
The shared path currently ends abruptly at the Welshmans Lane end, leaving pedestrians without a safe onward route.
Unfortunately, I found myself having to spring along part of the A51 between changes in the temporary traffic lights before reaching the safety of the grass verge to continue down Welshmans Lane back towards Nantwich.
It is something that clearly needs attention to ensure the route is safe and convenient for walkers and cyclists.
I understand the remaining bypass works are scheduled to continue until around the middle of September, so there is still time for those final connections to be completed.
Despite the unfinished elements, it is difficult not to welcome this significant milestone.
After more than four years beyond the original completion date, it is good to see the bypass finally carrying traffic, and I hope the remaining work can now be completed as quickly as possible so residents can enjoy the full benefits of the scheme.
Regards
Jonathan White
Wistaston
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