Local roads to be closed for utility and repair works
Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council has authorised a series of temporary road closures across Chester and Ellesmere Port to allow for essential utility works and bridge repairs. The measures, which come into effect this month, will restrict traffic on several local routes and are expected to cause disruption for residents, businesses and commuters.
Council orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 will see Green Lane, Dog Lane and Chowley Oak Lane closed from 20 October for approximately 23 days to facilitate utility works being carried out by Interoute. A separate closure on Furne Road will begin on 24 October for about two weeks while works are undertaken by Manweb.
In Ellesmere Port, the borough has announced that Rivacre Road will be closed from 24 October for around two months to allow bridge repair works by Colas Ltd. Back in Chester, School Lane is due to be closed from 26 October for approximately nine weeks while Severn Trent Water carries out utility works. There will also be a short, night-time closure on Merseyton Road in Ellesmere Port for carriageway surfacing and lining by Colas, scheduled for four nights from 29 October.
"Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and for those requiring access to properties on the closed roads."
The council says the closures are planned to last for the stated durations or until works are completed, whichever is sooner, although each order carries a maximum period of 18 months. Drivers are advised that through routes may not always be available during the works and to follow the signed diversions.
- Green Lane — closed from 20 October for ~23 days (Interoute). Alternative: Whitchurch Road and Chowley Oak Lane.
- Dog Lane — closed from 20 October for ~23 days (Interoute). Alternative: Chowley Oak Lane, A41 Whitchurch Road, Aldersey Road.
- Chowley Oak Lane — closed from 20 October for ~23 days (Interoute). Alternative: A41 Whitchurch Road, Green Lane, A534 Broxton Road, Holywell Lane.
- Furne Road — closed from 24 October for ~2 weeks (Manweb).
- Rivacre Road (Ellesmere Port) — closed from 24 October for ~2 months (Colas Ltd).
- School Lane — closed from 26 October for ~9 weeks (Severn Trent Water). Alternative: B1530 and Church Lane.
- Merseyton Road (Ellesmere Port) — closed for 4 nights from 29 October for surfacing and lining (Colas).
What residents should expect
The closures will affect local journeys, deliveries and potentially school runs along the named routes. While access will be kept for emergency vehicles and for people needing entry to properties on the closed roads, drivers making cross-city trips should allow extra time and use the council-provided alternative routes where appropriate.
| Road | Location | Start date | Estimated duration | Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Lane | Chester | 20 October | ~23 days | Interoute |
| Dog Lane | Chester | 20 October | ~23 days | Interoute |
| Chowley Oak Lane | Chester | 20 October | ~23 days | Interoute |
| Furne Road | Chester | 24 October | ~2 weeks | Manweb |
| Rivacre Road | Ellesmere Port | 24 October | ~2 months | Colas Ltd |
| School Lane | Chester | 26 October | ~9 weeks | Severn Trent Water |
| Merseyton Road | Ellesmere Port | 29 October | 4 nights | Colas |
Motorists are encouraged to check local signage on the ground and plan journeys in advance. The council has provided specific alternative routes for the most affected closures, including Whitchurch Road, A41, A534 Broxton Road and the B1530, which should help keep traffic moving around the works while contractors complete the necessary repairs.
As always with infrastructure projects, timings may change if works finish ahead of schedule or if further works are required. Residents and businesses affected by the closures should contact the council or the named contractor for site-specific queries.
