Construction of the long-awaited Middlewich Eastern Bypass has officially started.

Cheshire East councillors and officers were joined by stakeholders including local MPs, Middlewich ward councillors, town councillors, local businesses and representatives from contractor Balfour Beatty to see the first spade in the ground on the scheme.

The 1.6-mile bypass will connect Pochin Way in the north of Middlewich to the A533 Booth Lane in the south and include a new bridge over the Sandbach-Northwich railway line as well as a combined cycleway and footway – supporting the council's commitment to active travel and greener transport.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "Today was a really important occasion and marks the start of construction work on what is a long‑standing priority for the council – it's great to see it officially underway.

"This scheme will help tackle the congestion that we know can often be a daily frustration for residents and businesses in the town, particularly at the A54/A533 junction, but it will also deliver benefits way beyond that.

"It is expected to unlock up to 1,950 new homes and employment land and create up to 6,500 local jobs, as well as improve road safety and air quality and reduce noise in residential areas.

"There will also be benefits to public transport reliability and improved access to the M6 and key employment sites in the local area.

"I very much look forward to watching this vital infrastructure project take shape."

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The scheme, which is funded by £48m from the Department for Transport, around £50m from a combination of Cheshire East Council funding and S106 contributions from developers, and £5.5m Local Transport Grant from Government to the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, is expected to complete in summer 2028.

Kay Slade, managing director of Balfour Beatty's regional civils business, said: "Through early contractor engagement, we have worked closely with the council and key stakeholders to ensure that the scheme delivers real value to Middlewich and its residents.

"As works now get underway, I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have in creating opportunities and lasting benefits for the local community."

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