A MAJOR scheme to reconstruct the A54 between the Over and Oakmere roundabouts in Winsford begins for five weeks on Tuesday, May 4.

The work has become necessary because of the failure of the underlying road foundation which, if left untreated, would cause the road's condition to deteriorate further.

The £230,000, county council-funded scheme will involve relaying the foundation of the road with stone before resurfacing it with Tarmac. This will be done in four phases to ensure that only one lane is closed at any one time.

Junctions at St John's Drive, Mount Pleasant Drive and Oakmere Road will be closed at various times while the work takes place, with diversion routes being signed.

Cty Clr David Lloyd-Griffiths, chairman of the county's environment committee, said: "Our engineering service is distributing more than 11,000 leaflets to surrounding homes and businesses explaining the works and proposed diversion routes.

"As a major route to and from the town, Oakmere Road has seen much wear and tear over the years.

"Our aim is to repair the damaged surface and structure before it becomes hazardous.

"On behalf of Cheshire County Council, I apologise for any inconvenience the operations may cause but safety on the roads is paramount."

A separate scheme will also take place to rebuild a 350-metre stretch of Bradford Road and improve the footpath link between Town Bridge and the Meadowbank area.

The £150,000 county council-funded project will also take place for five weeks from Tuesday, May 4.

Temporary lights will operate throughout the works, which have been timed to coincide with the quietest time of the year for deliveries to and from the salt mine to reduce inconvenience to road users.

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