Cheshire East councillors are to consider the next steps needed to enable construction of the Middlewich Eastern Bypass to start as soon as possible – if a positive funding decision from Government arrives.

Cheshire East Council resubmitted its final business case to Government for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass scheme in September last year and is seeking final approval for grant funding from the Department for Transport.

The council's ambition is to receive full business case approval from Government by the end of February, so that work can start on site in the summer and the bypass can be open by autumn 2027.

On 23 January, the council's highways and transport committee will consider a report that seeks approval for a number of recommendations that would allow work on the scheme to start on site as quickly as possible should Government approval be given.

Traffic queuing in Middlewich. (Photo: Cheshire East)

Councillor Laura Crane, vice chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "The Middlewich Eastern Bypass is a critical project for the council, alleviating traffic congestion, supporting the delivery of 1,950 new homes and the creation of an estimated much needed, local 6,500 jobs.

 "This is a 'shovel ready' project, with designs completed, all planning permissions and statutory orders confirmed, and contractors lined up. 

 "We have already invested considerable money in preparing for the delivery of this scheme and any further delay will have major financial implications as the Government contribution to this project is a fixed amount.

"That is why committee will be considering steps that we can take now – ahead of what we hope will be a positive funding decision from Government – so that we can hit the ground running once that decision arrives and ensure costs do not rise further."

The full report to committee can be found on the council's website.

The bypass will be a new two-way single carriageway road that will connect a new roundabout junction off Pochin Way in the north of the town to a new roundabout junction to the south, connecting with the A533 Booth Lane.

The plans also include a new bridge over the Trent and Mersey Canal, a new bridge over the Sandbach-to-Northwich railway line, and a combined cycleway and footway, which supports the council's continued commitment to encourage active travel and greener transport.

Recently, Middlewich businesses including Swizzels, GO Outdoors Retail Limited and Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited, British Salt Limited, NPL Ltd, Tata Chemicals Europe Limited, Wincanton Logistics, Green Earth Developments (Group), Optima Logistics, and Tritax Big Box Developments wrote to Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, calling for the scheme to be considered 'as an urgent priority' and for the investment needed for this project to be delivered.

In the letter, they said the bypass 'has overwhelming local support and has long been campaigned for by residents and businesses like us'.

"That is because it is fundamental to the long-term economic growth of Middlewich, and to the wider Cheshire East and region," they added.