A56 Chester Road – Active Travel Scheme
Roadworks Update 5 – Monday, 21 March 2022
Work is continuing on the construction of the active travel improvement scheme between Helsby High School and Frodsham.
Regular questions/Information to note:
- The stone bus shelter near Howey Lane is to remain in place.
- We are aiming to replace daffodil bulbs along the route, however it is currently the wrong time of year for this. We plan to carry out this planting during September/October 2022. Discussions with the local community (councillors, parish/town councils, schools, etc) about this planting will take place nearer the time.
Programme of works
Due to the triple storms hitting us in late February, we are unfortunately a few days behind on programme, however, we are hoping with the current good weather respite that we will be able to still be substantially completed by Easter, pending no unforeseen issues or any further inclement weather.
The scheme will continue working in a series of phases (refer to schematic phasing plan below, to be used as a guide only). Please note that although we are currently on Phase 3, Phase 4 has been predominantly completed – we carried out Phase 4 during the school half term in order to cause less disruption. Note that the toucan crossing will be switched on for use when the construction work switches over to work on the opposite side (school side to the north) of the A56.
WORKS UPDATE: From 21 March:
Phase 3a -works are to continue at the existing layby area under temporary traffic signals.
Phase 3b – From Monday 21 March works will move closer to the junction with Howey Lane. Due to the location of the works area, Matty’s Lane will be closed at its junction with A56 and vehicles will not be able to exit at this location. Please also note that the bus stops near Howey Lane junction on both sides of the road will be temporarily out of use whilst working in this area. The bus stops at Tarvin Road will be used instead. Pedestrians will be diverted using the existing pedestrian crossing at Howey Lane, onto the footway on the side of the Netherton Arms up to Tarvin Road where a temporary pedestrian crossing will be in place to cross back over.
Our future programme will be working various other phases on the south side to complete this side before switching to work on the north side of the A56. Also, as from the end of the week, street lighting works will be ongoing along the route including working around the new toucan crossing location.
Phasing plan below (please note that these locations are indicative and may slightly change on site when required, please just use as a guide only):
Please note that the temporary enforceable reduced speed limit of 30mph is still in place from Proffits Lane (near to the school) up to Dig Lane, Frodsham and will continue to remain in place for the full duration of the works.
The temporary traffic signals to the works areas will remain in place at all times. However, as previously informed our roadworks do come with the contingency that all works must be able to be removed in a speedy manner if we are notified of an incident on the M56, due to this being the key emergency diversion route.
Unfortunately, as with all construction works some disruption is inevitable. We will always work with local residents, businesses and schools to try to reduce any such impact wherever possible. If you have any queries regarding the scheme please do not hesitate to contact us on 0300 123 7 036.
Lead officer:
Sian Williams – Area Engineer for Contract Delivery
Cheshire West and Chester Council