DRIVERS are being warned about essential road works that will affect the A534 in Sandbach from this weekend.

United Utilities needs to lay a new water pipe on Old Mill Road as part of a major scheme to improve water supplies across Cheshire.

Old Mill Road will be closed to northbound traffic between the junctions of High Street and Congleton Road for up to three weeks.

Southbound traffic can continue using the road but speeds will be limited to 30mph.

A signed diversion route will be put in place taking traffic via Betchton, Rode Heath and Arclid Green.

Engineers are urging motorists to plan extra time for their journeys whilst these essential improvements are being carried out.

Project manager Ian Grzelak said: “We will do our utmost to complete this section of work and reopen the road as quickly as possible and we would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience.

“Our new pipeline will tackle issues we’ve had in recent years with low water pressure, which has affected customers in Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich.

"It will ensure hundreds of customers across Cheshire have a modern and reliable network."

The 19.5km scheme is expected to be completed by autumn next year.