Middlewich Bypass business case submitted to government

The long-awaited scheme was dealt a major blow earlier this year when the previous administration refused to stump up funding, citing a 'poor value for money' business case.

But, Cheshire East Council has now resubmitted its case seeking final approval for grant funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

And if given the green light, work on the 1.6-mile bypass could begin next year with a view to it opening by autumn 2027.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith, chair of the council’s highways and transport committee, said: “In submitting our business case for this scheme, we have addressed recent feedback from the DfT and further strengthened its economic case.

"Like many others in this programme, the economic case had been impacted by the exceptionally high inflation pressures since the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The bypass is ‘shovel ready’, with designs completed, all planning permissions and statutory orders confirmed, and contractors lined up.

"Delaying this scheme further will have major financial implications for the council.

"To ensure it remains achievable, our ambition is to receive full business case approval from Government later this year, or early 2025, so that we could start on site in spring 2025 and the bypass can be open by autumn 2027."

The bypass will be a new two-way single carriageway road connecting 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.

Cllr Goldsmith added: "We know there is strong support from local people for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and they have long campaigned for this scheme to be delivered.

"On Friday (September 6), we submitted a robust business case to Government clearly demonstrating why the bypass is fundamental to our growth ambitions for Middlewich and why its significant benefits will extend well beyond the town itself.

“We have worked very closely with government officials on this new road since 2017.

"At each stage we have responded to all of the requirements and have a very investable scheme with a positive business case, so we expect the Government to now fund this scheme’s construction.

"This bypass will relieve severe traffic congestion at the junction of two major roads, the A54 and A533, which for many years has impacted residents’ quality of life and deterred businesses away from the area.

"It will reduce air pollution and noise levels in residential areas by diverting traffic away – particularly lorries – and also help to improve the reliability of bus services.

"By improving the highway network, it will improve connectivity to major employment sites and enhance the region’s attractiveness for further development – unlocking up to 1,950 new homes and employment land and potentially creating up to 6,500 jobs in the local area.

"It will also improve the infrastructure of the wider Mid Cheshire towns, including Crewe, Winsford, and Northwich, and improve access to major transport links, including the M6 motorway."

The DfT's investment committee will now conduct a review of the council case, which is expected to take place in November.

The committee will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, who will then make a final decision on whether the scheme will receive Government funding.