Drivers travelling between Walgherton and Hatherton are facing disruption as Crewe Road closes for essential maintenance between 19th and 28th March.
The closure affects a key rural route serving local homes, farms and businesses, including cheese producer Joseph Heler Cheese. The road also provides access to Dagfields Crafts & Antiques Centre, although the works are taking place overnight and are not expected to affect normal daytime visitor hours.
According to a Facebook post by local parish councillor Janet Clowes, the closure is required to allow contractors to carry out pre-patching work ahead of surface dressing, helping protect the road surface from further deterioration.
During the first night of works, multiple crews were observed re-tarmacking sections of carriageway, working progressively along Crewe Road from the junction with Audlem Road through to the junction with Hunsterson Road. The activity formed part of the preparatory repairs needed before the surface dressing stage.
A member of the road crew indicated to a local resident that work is expected to take place overnight between 7pm and 2am, when traffic volumes are lower. The process begins with repairing potholes and damaged sections before a layer of stone chippings is applied to seal the surface.
A newly tarmacked section at the junction of Crewe Road and Audlem Road.
Diversions will be in place, though not all nearby routes are suitable. Hunsterson Road and Bridgemere Lane will not form part of the diversion due to the 7.5-tonne weight restriction on Hunsterson Road and the potential for conflict with green waste traffic using Bridgemere Lane.
Concerns about the condition of Crewe Road are not new. Parish council records over the past two years have repeatedly described sections of the road as ‘very dangerous’, with the surface ‘breaking up in several places’ and potholes forcing drivers towards the centre of the carriageway to avoid damage.
Councillors have previously warned that ongoing patch repairs were not proving sufficient, with heavy traffic and drainage issues contributing to continued deterioration. The current works follow sustained pressure for more comprehensive resurfacing.
The councillor noted that, if conditions are favourable, the work may be completed before the end of the licensed closure period.
Residents planning evening journeys are advised to allow extra time and follow signed diversion routes.