Sandbach motorists are being urged to look for alternative routes after Cheshire East Council has released details of major roadworks beginning in Crewe.

Main works will start on the North West Crewe Package (NWCP) scheme next month (May)and will see a series of highways and junction improvements made around the Leighton area to ease congestion and improve access to Leighton Hospital, as well as to new and existing housing developments.

As part of the works, various closures will be in place along the A530 Middlewich Road from next month until around March 2023

The works start on Monday, May 9th with the closure of the road between its junction with Pyms Lane and Smithy Lane.

Further information of the closure and the diversion route can be found on this website https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/major-projects/north-west-crewe-package-nwcp/north-west-crewe-package.aspx

Access is being maintained for local residents.

A Cheshire East spokesperson said: "The overall NWCP scheme is expected to take around two years to complete and details of further road closures in the area will be announced as the scheme progresses, and regular project newsletters will be issued.

"Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive these newsletters by visiting the homepage of the council's website at: cheshireeast.gov.uk and clicking on the 'subscribe to our newsletter' link at the bottom of the page.

"From there, they can register their email address and change their preferences to receive the North West Crewe Package newsletter direct to their inbox."

The main NWCP works are being carried out by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of Cheshire East Council and will include the construction of a new road linking Smithy Lane, Minshull New Road and Middlewich Road (A530), as well as the realignment of Smithy Lane, Flowers Lane and improvements to other road junctions associated with the scheme.

The package also includes the extension of the Connect 2 walking and cycling route to Leighton Hospital and North West Crewe.

In addition, a section of Minshull New Road outside Leighton Academy will be closed to traffic and will create a safer environment for children arriving and leaving the school.