Congleton link road presses ahead

The construction of the Congleton Link Road has continued during lockdown, with significant progress being made over recent weeks.

The laying of road surfaces and the installation of bridge and roundabout works are examples of work that has continued to be carried out by Graham, the principal contractor working with Cheshire East Council on the project.

There will also be a programme of critical ground improvement works that will be carried out over a condensed period to minimise the effect of noise for neighbours.

Works on the four major structures across the scheme, that were initially impacted by the pandemic, will now be slowly reintroduced. This means that Giantswood Lane is now planned to open to traffic on Friday, July 24, 2020.

Alastair Lewis, contracts manager at Graham, said: “While construction work was not required to cease following the Prime Minister’s lockdown announcement, it was stated that works should only continue if they could be delivered in full compliance with government and Public Health England guidance.

“Earthworks at the Congleton Link Road have, therefore, continued, as they can be carried out in a safe manner, which does not place workers at risk. We have been able to take advantage of the Spring season and dry weather to complete the critical operation to maintain a degree of progress on the project.”

He added: “Graham has collaborated with Cheshire East Council to develop a strategy to allow certain works to continue, whilst identifying critical activities and developing additional controls and risk assessments on those activities to ensure compliance with guidance.

“We have also communicated and implemented any changes with all stakeholders.

“The Congleton Link Road management team continues to plan, implement and review the changes to operations, welfare, signage and general working arrangements. This is in line with the current government guidance for working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He said it is not possible, at this stage, to confirm the full impact that COVID-19 will have on the timetable for the scheme’s completion, but it is the priority for staff, supply chain partners and the wider community to be protected from the risk of infection.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The Congleton Link Road project is a major economic driver for the town and is set to improve the connectivity of the road network in the borough.

“I am delighted to share these images that show the impressive progress that has been made with this project. It is a great credit to Graham that essential works have continued and key milestones in the project have been reached, despite the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 crisis.”

The route for the link road will run to the north of the town, south of Eaton. It will link the A534 Sandbach Road, near its junction with Sandy Lane, to the A536 Macclesfield Road, near its junction with Moss Lane and provide a new crossing at the river Dane.

It will also create improved road connections to both Congleton Business Park and Radnor Park Trading Estate.