A major maintenance scheme is underway to replace a 2.37 kilometre section of the A56. Essentially this means full reconstruction of the carriageway. The works have also been coordinated with a new traffic signal junction at Delph Lane, as part of the adjacent housing development.
Reconstruction will begin on the north bound A56 carriageway (both lanes) between Oct 24 and March 25, with vehicles in contraflow on the south bound carriageway. Traffic will then be switched to the repaired side, while re-construction is undertaken on the south bound side. Project completion is timetabled for October 2025. As the Delph Lane traffic signal junction is the most time-consuming section of the programme, this is being completed first.
It must be recognised that there will never be a good time to undertake these works as they impact on a major route into Halton and Warrington. Essentially two lanes out of four are out of service, and the speed limit has been temporarily reduced from 70 mph to 30mph for safety reasons. This unavoidably reduces vehicle capacity on the A56. There will be temporary disruption to journey times, and some drivers will choose to use other routes on the public highway that are normally quiet.
During the planning stages, night working was considered, but as the carriageway is being entirely removed it cannot be opened in the day time until work is complete. Working only nights would increase the overall project timeline significantly with no benefit, and create noise for surrounding residents during hours of darkness. The completion of the work in smaller phases / sections was also considered, but this extended the project timescale considerably.
This major maintenance work is essential to maintain the resilience of the primary highway network that we all depend upon (including freight and buses). It is in the wider public interest that these works are carried out, and therefore residents and businesses are asked to be patient and considerate whilst there is some disruption for a temporary period.
The scheme has been widely publicised with advanced notice boards by the roadside, it has been highlighted on all the Variable Message Signage (VMS) in the local area, together with the normal publicity given to all major works.
October 10th was the first day of the works. It is normally the case that as work progresses the traffic patterns do shift, as some drivers, especially through traffic, will choose alternative routes to avoid any disruption.
The Council holds daily meetings with the contractor to review the traffic management arrangements and this will continue to be the case throughout the duration of the works.
For any concerns about driver behaviour, for example speeding or ignoring signage directions or Traffic Orders, such as weight limits, these issues should be raised directly with the Police, as the Council does not have any enforcement powers to deal with these circumstances.