A THREE-MONTH road closure between Tarvin and Tarporley will cause massive disruption for residents and thousands of motorists.
The A51 will be shut for a two-and-a-half mile stretch between its junction with Willington Lane in Clotton to the roundabout with the A49 at Tarporley between Monday, August 4 and Friday, October 24.
Cheshire Highways department says the road has to be closed to enable resurfacing and strengthening work to be carried out safely.
Their diversion plan adds at least six miles to the journey between Chester and Tarporley – taking traffic, including buses, on the A54 and A49 through Tarvin, Kelsall and Cotebrook.
Residents also fear that lorries and vans will create dangerous rat runs along unsuitable minor roads as they seek quicker routes.
Tarporley parish councillor Ken Parker said at a parish council meeting: “It is an appalling prospect.
“What we, of course, are most concerned about is the length of time and the inconvenience it will cause.”
County Highways has guaranteed that access for emergency vehicles and for properties will be maintained.
Arriva, which runs the 84 bus service between Chester and Crewe, will also have to follow the diversion.
Arriva North West spokesman Nick Gordon said: “It is unfortunate that those on that route will be greatly inconvenienced. Unfortunately, we cannot go down any country roads to cut through because they are too small and cannot support the buses.”
An example of the problems for residents and businesses is Iddenshall Care Home which is situated on the A51 and relies on deliveries every day.
Ann Hull, general manager of the home, said: We have been given few details about how we will get visitors, supplies and staff through.”
She added: “We were told the staff would get passes, but then we also have an awful lot of visitors – those who are coming to visit residents as well as those coming to view the rooms.
“We have deliveries most days of food and supplies.
“Also, many of the staff get here on the bus, and we don’t know how they will get here.”
