CREWE drivers have been warned of roadworks and closures taking place for approximately 80 weeks - around the Leighton area of town.

Work to deliver the North West Crewe Package (NWCP) will start shortly on May 2 and will likely last until November 1, 2023.

The new link road will connect Smithy Lane, Minshull New Road and Middlewich Road.

The main works are being carried out by contractor Balfour Beatty, on behalf of Cheshire East Council.

This year and a half of disruption to motorists will affect those attending and visiting Leighton Hospital.

People attending and visiting Leighton Hospital, Crewe will have their journeys affected by the 80-week roadworks (Ryan Parker).

The NCWP consists of highway and junction improvements made within the Leighton area of Crewe.

Cheshire East Council believe the 1.8 mile stretch will reduce congestion and improve access to the town's Leighton Hospital.

The road aims to bring opportunities for local businesses to expand, creating free land for new housing developments as well as extending the walking and cycling routes to the Hospital.

A section of Minshull New Road, outside of Leighton Academy primary school will be permanently closed to traffic.

Once the new link road is complete in November 2023, the Leighton Hospital end of Minshull New Road by the school will be closed off to traffic permanently (Ryan Parker).

1,250 new homes for the area were approved by Cheshire East Council in November 2020.

It is intended that the delivery of the new link road will be coordinated in advance of the planned housing in the area.

The main works will consist of a new 2.6km single carriageway with seven new roundabouts.

Existing junctions at Middlewich Road and Minshull New Road will be improved.

In case you missed it: Preparation works complete for 1.8 mile Crewe link road package.

A brief summary of the roadworks and the dates involved (One.Network)

Earlier this year, preparation work for this scheme was completed over a four-week period from January 31 to the end of February.

Trees and hedges were cleared across Middlewich Road and Minshull New Road to make way for the new link road.

Queues of cars snaked across the Leighton Hospital area as the road works held up traffic between 9:30am to 3:30pm, every weekday.

Matrix signings have now been erected in the Leighton locations where motorists will be affected.

The main roads impacted by the 80-week roadworks will be Smithy Lane, Middlewich Road and Minshull New Road as outlined in the link road plans.

A picture of the 80-week roadworks warning taken on the A530 Middlewich Road by a Crewe Nub News fan.

Crewe Nub News has contacted Cheshire East Council for more clarity on the roadworks.

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