 Winter weather
Our winter service started in October and we remain prepared to keep our road network safe for you throughout the winter months. Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable, so we monitor the weather forecast closely to ensure that our gritting routes are treated at the right time.
 |
|
We are also prepared for adverse weather events that are more frequent during the winter months including storms, high winds and heavy rain. During these periods of adverse weather we may need to rearrange planned works at short notice. This is to keep our teams safe, and to prioritise urgent weather-related issues. |
Please take care when driving in the winter, it can be very different than in other times of the year. Adverse weather and longer periods of darkness makes driving more hazardous. Details of weather related disruption will be listed on the adverse weather webpage.
To see the roads we grit, please have a look at our gritting routes map online. If you would like to get daily alerts about whether we are gritting or not, then please follow our @CECHighways twitter feed.
For more information please visit our gritting and snow clearance webpage
Works programme updates
Each month we update our website to show progress against schemes that are included in this year’s programme.
Our programme can be viewed here and will next be updated at the beginning of December:
September's highways highlights
We produce a summary report which shows an overview of the work we have completed. Did you know, in September we emptied 5,342 gullies! To view a breakdown of our works in September, click here
Gullies and drains
At this time of year, leaf fall along with the wet weather can mean that gullies may run a bit slower. This doesn't mean that they are blocked or need urgent attention. Gullies can also vary in the speed they can drain water away. Some will overflow during heavy rain even if there is no blockage allowing the water to clear when the rain stops.
If you notice that the fallen leaves on pavements or mud on the roads are causing a slip or skid hazard, please select the street sweeping category on fix my street.
Please only report overflowing or blocked gullies if it is still causing a flood when the heavy rain clears. Blocked gullies will be emptied as part of our gully emptying programme where we empty them and check that they are working.
We inspect our gullies for any damage and will arrange any repairs if they are required. You can check to see the gullies we maintain and when we last emptied it on our online tracker.
You can read more on our road gullies and drains webpage.
Supporting the local community
Some of our team recently visited St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School in Handforth along with Councillor Craig Browne and Cheshire Fire and Rescue to promote Road Safety.
The children learned about the use of road signs and how to use them safely as a pedestrian. We demonstrated tools called the CAT and Genny which we use to scan for underground services to keep our operatives safe when breaking the ground. A gritter also attended the event to teach the children the importance of gritting during winter! |
|
 |
 .
Charity bike ride
In October, we held a virtual charity bike ride on Beam Street in Nantwich in aid of the Lighthouse Club, who specialise in mental health support for those in the construction industry.
Along with our supply chain partners, we cycled 243 miles over 4 days and raised over £1,000! The bike was kindly loaned from a local gym.
Thanks to anyone who donated and took part in the event! If you would like to donate to the cause, click here.
|
|
 |
Altrincham Road cycle route
 Following land acquisition in early 2022, Cheshire East Highways has recently completed the long-awaited cycle route on the A538 Altrincham Road between Nansmoss Lane and the Waters roundabout in Wilmslow. The 200 metre long stretch had been a missing section of the segregated traffic free cycle route between Wilmslow and Manchester Airport. It facilitates active travel and will now provide more opportunities to cycle and walk in the area for improved health and wellbeing.
This ‘missing link’ has been a priority action for Cycle Wilmslow, as Altrincham Road can be busy, particularly at peak times, and is narrow and winding. They recognise that high quality segregated cycle provision will encourage more people to get out on their bikes. Rob Sharpe of Cycle Wilmslow said ‘they are delighted that this route has come to fruition’. It is a significant improvement for sustainable transport on a key route into Wilmslow.
This route complements other cycle route improvements in Wilmslow, including the 2km joint walking and cycling route from Wilmslow railway station to the A34 bypass completed in 2021, which improved links to Wilmslow High School, as well as business hubs at the Royal London site and Alderley Park. |
|
 |
Street lighting in Cheshire East
We own and look after most of the street lights in Cheshire East on public roads and pavements. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure that our street lights are working properly; a higher priority is given to faults that could be dangerous such as exposed electrical wiring; these are normally made safe within two hours of being reported.
As the clocks have now gone back and the evenings are darker, you might notice if there is an issue with a street light. Here's what to do if you see a damaged street light, illuminated sign, road traffic bollard:
Please report to us asap on 0300 123 5025 or outside of working hours on 0300 123 5025 as it may be dangerous. Please do not attempt to touch or move it. We will then assess and make it safe.
You can read more about street lighting here: Street lighting (cheshireeast.gov.uk)
Tackling anti-social drivers with noise cameras
 |
|
Cheshire East Council has joined forces with the police and crime commissioner and Cheshire police to pilot a new scheme to crack down on noisy anti-social motorists.
The project will see a noise-activated acoustic camera trialled on a roundabout approach on the A34 Pendleton Way, between Wilmslow and Alderley Edge.
|
|
Local residents raised concerns at a public meeting last year about the noise made by cars along with A34 in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, particularly around the Whitehall Bridge roundabout, where the camera is set to be installed later this month.
The camera will be able to record any noise above an acceptable level and identify the responsible vehicles, giving the police and council key information about the worst offenders and enabling enforcement action to be taken against them.
|
|
 |
Works update
Moss Lane Resurfacing
As part of our resurfacing programme, Moss Lane in Macclesfield has now been replenished with a new road surface and lining. The works took place during October and we'd like to thank residents for their patience whilst we delivered this scheme.
|
|
 |
Beam Street, Nantwich
We have now completed footway improvement works on Beam Street in Nantwich. We have enhanced pedestrian and road safety and have upgraded the zebra crossing, installed new kerbing, and improved the central island.
The work will now take a break in the lead up to Christmas whilst we prepare to complete the resurfacing work.
We will be resurfacing Beam Street from B5341 Waterload to B5074 Barony Road in early 2023. It will take a few weeks to complete under phased road closures. Local businesses will remain open as usual and we will inform those who will be directly impacted by the works. We will update the Beam Street webpage when the dates have been confirmed.
Highways Awards - winners!
We're delighted to have received two awards from Highways Magazine, the national trade publication for the roads and infrastructure sector.
Our bridges and structures team picked up the highways authority innovation award for our work on rebuilding a collapsed retaining wall between Bollin Grove and the River Bollin, in Prestbury.
At the same awards ceremony, Daniel Johnson, Highways Operative received the apprentice of the year award. The judges praised his willingness to learn and develop new skills in a very competitive field. They added that the faith his employers place in him is ‘testament to his potential within the industry’. |
|
 |
North West Crewe Package (NWCP)
Construction activities continue for the North West Crewe Package which will significantly ease congestion in the Leighton area and create quicker routes to the hospital. It will improve roads and junctions, bringing forward opportunities for housing developments and for local businesses to expand. It will take place over the next two years.
 |
|
The latest traffic management information is as follows:
- Recent developments have seen 2-way traffic lights installed on the A530 Middlewich Road just south of Flowers Lane and on Smithy Lane.
The following is still in place as per previous updates:
|
- A530 Middlewich Road remains closed between Pyms lane and Smithy Lane – diversion is via Flowers Lane
- 2-way traffic lights are on the A530 Middlewich Road just south of Smithy Lane
- There are narrow lanes between Smithy Lane and the Biowise facility in place for the new Milehouse Roundabout works
Access to the hospital is unaffected to all users other than those on the A530 approaching from the direction of Nantwich. The Hospital ‘H’ symbol should be followed along the official diversion route. This route automatically becomes the existing hospital route at University Way.
You can keep you up to date with the project by signing to the North West Crewe Package newsletter.
For information on the scheme, visit our North West Crewe Package webpage
Spotted an issue on the highway?
To report any highways issues that present an immediate danger, call us on 0300 123 5020 during working hours or out of working hours on 0300 123 5025. To report a problem on our roads or pavements, or to check if the issue has already been reported visit our Highways page.
|
