DRIVERS are being warned of a five-week road closure as permanent traffic lights are installed at a bridge near Winsford.

Hall Lane will completely shut from Monday (February 20) as work begins to install the signals at Darnhall Bridge.

Temporary traffic lights and barriers have already been in place for some time following a collision which damaged the bridge parapet.

The installation of permanent lights will require ducting down both sides of the verge, a number of road crossings and also ducting over the narrow bridge deck.

The plant and location of the works within narrow road constraints means a complete road closure is needed to all traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, Cllr Karen Shore said: "This year, the council allocated some money to strengthen the bridge and renew the bridge parapet.

"However, escalating construction costs have resulted in the allocated funding now being insufficient to cover actual costs.

"With the ongoing cost of maintaining the temporary signals and barrier, the situation was reviewed and it was decided to use the funding allocation this year to carry out part of the overall bridge works proposals, to make the temporary signals a permanent solution.

"A complete closure is needed so the work can be completed safely and unfortunately the resulting diversion is unavoidably lengthy.

"We’d like to thank residents for their patience and support while this work takes place."

There will be signs to inform that businesses are open as usual, in addition to the usual road closure signs at either end of the route.