CHESHIRE West and Chester Council will display plans to improve a stretch of the A51 between Chester and the Tarvin roundabout at two public drop-in information events next month.

The scheme of major junction and roundabout improvements would see additional lanes at the Stamford Bridge traffic lights and provide additional bridge width over the River Gowy, as well as improvements at Tarvin roundabout encouraging the use of both lanes heading westbound.

Other improvements will include changes to the road layout, widening carriageway, new lane markings and installing better signage. Restricting some traffic movements at Hare Lane and Littleton Lane to improve traffic flows, as part of the scheme will be subject to separate consultation.

New crossing points and improved footpaths for pedestrians, bus users and cyclists are also planned to help connect communities and reduce the delays and congestion that local residents and commuters face daily.

Leader of the council, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “This stretch of road is well known for long travel delays and the council is keen to make improvements to ease traffic congestion and improve journey time. We want to make it easier for people to work, play and do business by boosting connectivity with the surrounding areas.

“Improving traffic flow through this section of the A51 will also improve air quality by cutting down nitrogen dioxide emissions from queuing vehicles. This supports our borough-wide Low Emission Strategy which seeks to improve air quality and reduce traffic emissions.

“West Cheshire is embracing significant growth in housing, population and employment and we must ensure our highway network is able to support this growth.

“The next step is to work with residents and landowners in the adjacent areas and keep them informed of our plans – ecology and other surveys have been carried out. Protecting any wildlife in the area will always be a priority to us.”

The current cost estimate for the scheme is £7.029 million. Cheshire West and Chester Council has already secured conditional funding approval of £3.66m through the Government’s Local Growth Fund. This bid was part of the Cheshire and Warrington ‘Growth Deal’ which in total has received £142m to improve connectivity and deliver growth across the region. The remaining £3.37m will come from council resources.

Two drop-in information sessions have been arranged as follows:

  • Chester Rugby Union Football Club, Hare Lane, Littleton, Chester – September 3 between 10am-4.45pm
  • Stamford Bridge Inn, Tarvin Road, Chester – September 4 between 11am-7pm.