Dear Editor
The long-awaited opening of the A51 Reaseheath Bypass in Nantwich now appears to be just days away, 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.
I visited the site on foot on Tuesday (14th July) and it is clear that the project is in its final stages.
Sections of the new shared footpath are already open, while the Reaseheath roundabout entrance to the bypass is now only closed off by plastic cones.
In fact, I even witnessed one motorist move the cones and drive along the new road, perhaps becoming the first member of the public to use the bypass, albeit unofficially.
During my walk, I followed a route from Nantwich town centre to the new metal footbridge over the River Weaver before joining the path towards Reaseheath Equestrian Centre via the new equestrian underpass beneath the bypass.
The underpass will provide a much safer crossing for horses and riders by separating them from traffic, although it still appeared unfinished as lighting had yet to be installed.
I also walked onto part of the bypass itself as far as the Reaseheath roundabout.
With the road nearing completion, I took the opportunity to measure various sections.
The shared footpaths on either side are each approximately 3.2 metres wide, while each traffic lane measures around 3.5 metres, giving the carriageway a total width of seven metres.
While this broadly meets accepted standards for a single carriageway road, National Highways guidance generally recommends a lane width of 3.65 metres for major rural routes.
This raises questions about whether the bypass will comfortably accommodate larger vehicles, buses and articulated lorries over the long term.
The new spine road will create a north-south link between the A51, B5074, Nantwich Bypass and Barony Road near Reaseheath College, while the existing section of the A51 through Reaseheath will become a local access road only.
It has long been promoted as a key solution to easing congestion around Nantwich and supporting future development, and many residents will welcome its completion after such a lengthy wait.
I sincerely hope the bypass delivers the benefits that have been promised. However, I do have several concerns that deserve careful monitoring once it opens.
My biggest question is whether the scheme will actually save motorists time.
Although it removes through traffic from the existing A51, drivers will travel a slightly longer route and will also have to negotiate the busy Kingsbourne roundabout, which serves a rapidly growing housing development.
With further traffic expected from Kingsbourne Academy, a proposed Co-op store and future development in the area, there is a possibility that any journey time savings could be reduced or even eliminated.
I also have concerns about the new toucan crossing close to Reaseheath roundabout.
While it is an important facility for pedestrians and cyclists, frequent use could interrupt traffic flow and potentially lead to queues extending back towards the roundabout during busy periods.
Although the scheme includes new walking and cycling infrastructure, some routes appear to end abruptly, particularly towards Welshmans Lane and the A51 Chester direction.
Ensuring these links are completed would greatly improve connectivity and encourage more active travel.
There is also understandable concern that Reaseheath Way through Kingsbourne could become an attractive shortcut for drivers heading towards Water Lode, potentially increasing traffic through residential streets if appropriate measures are not introduced.
After waiting more than four years beyond its original completion date, it is undoubtedly encouraging to see the bypass finally ready to open.
It represents a significant investment in Nantwich’s transport network and has the potential to improve journeys for thousands of motorists every day.
Only once traffic begins using the new road will it become clear whether it fulfils those ambitions.
I very much hope it succeeds, but I also believe it will be important for Cheshire East Council to closely monitor traffic levels, journey times and road safety, particularly in relation to the carriageway width and whether the bypass genuinely delivers the congestion relief and time savings that have been promised.
Regards
Jonathan White
Wistaston
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