Network Rail has apologised to residents inconvenienced by work to upgrade a level crossing which is overrunning.

Green Lane, Saltney, closed more than three weeks ago on February 14 as part of the North-South Wales Journey Improvement Project but was supposed to reopen on Monday of this week (March 9).

Now it won’t reopen until Friday March 27 according to a letter from Network Rail which has been hand-delivered to irate residents.

One local claimed on Twitter: “My children have to walk 6.4 miles to school.”

“Absolute joke,” One person tweeted. “Especially on top of 483 disaster and the one-way straight! #useless,” they added, in reference to recent headaches for motorists relating to roadworks in Bretton and at the Posthouse roundabout.

Rebecca Evison, community relations manager for Network Rail Wales, explained that level crossings had to be upgraded in Green Lane, Broad Oak, near Rossett, Pulford and Balderton.

She continued: “The road at Green Lane crossing was due to reopen on Monday 9 March. However, during the excavation, we encountered a high voltage cable in the road and an unknown manhole. Due to protecting the safety of our workforce from electric shock or explosion, we had to change the design for our work and get it agreed by all parties before restarting.

“This has resulted in us needing additional time to carry out the necessary work. This means that we have agreed a road closure with the local authority until Friday March 27. However, we will work as quickly as possible to try and reopen the road before this date.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause and would like to thank the local community for bearing with us whilst we undertake this improvement to the level crossing.”

Anyone with additional questions or concerns can call the 24-hour national helpline on 08457 11 41 41.