Motorists faced a week of near gridlock last week - after work started on replacing cabling between two sub stations in Sandbach. 

Traffic couldn't turn right along Middlewich Road, going into the town centre and was forced to do a big loop down Hind Heath Road and Crewe Road to get into Sandbach as we revealed here

Two-way traffic lights are on Middlewich Road until Sunday (April 14th). (Photo: Nub News)

But the roadworks have eased over the weekend, as the project has progressed and a two-way traffic light system is now in place on Middlewich Road, allowing traffic to go through to the town centre. 

And there is light at the end of the tunnel, as this part of the project is set to be completed by Sunday (April 14th) just in time for the end of the school Easter holidays. 

The work is being carried out by SP Energy Networks which owns and operates the electricity networks in our area, renewing cabling between the sub stations on Elworth Road and one opposite Sandbach Rugby Club. 

Two-way traffic lights controlling vehicles in Middlewich Road. (Photo: Nub News)

SP Energy Networks said: "We have been laying cables and cable ducts between our two existing substations in Sandbach on Station Road and Bradwall Road. The project will ensure the continued resilience and sustainability of the local network. 

advertisement

"From March 29th, we will be returning to install the remaining section of cabling on Middlewich Road up to the junction with Abbey Road. 

"We expect to complete this section of cabling by mid-April. To try and reduce impacts on the community as much as possible, we always try and complete major works on key road connections during the school holidays." 

This part of the project is due to finish this weekend but the next part, to connect newly installed cables between Abbey Road and Platt Avenue to the network, will take place during May half-term from May 27th and is expected to take around five days to complete. 

Last week, Middlewich Road was closed one day meaning traffic had to do a big loop to get into the town centre if turning right. (Photo: Nub News)

Elworth Cheshire East councillor, Nicola Cook has been keeping residents informed of the project. 

She said: "Thank you for all your continued patience with regards to the roadworks on Middlewich Road. I absolutely know first-hand how tricky it has been."