A ROAD closure in Neston has been been put in place, after the council responded to concerns raised by residents.

The closure, on Quarry Road, commenced on Friday September, 9 and will be in force for a maximum period of 18 months.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Concerns have been raised by residents of Quarry Road over a number of years about the traffic conditions on the road, including the excessive volumes for the nature of the road, speed of vehicles and unsuitable classification using the route.

“To enhance road safety for both vehicles and pedestrians on Quarry Road, the Council is putting in place a no entry scheme that will prohibit vehicles from entering Quarry Road from the A540 Chester High Road."

Surveys were carried out, considering the nature of Quarry Road as an unclassified road. Results showed that it wasn’t suitable for the volumes using the route and that Hanns Hall Road, as a B classified road with greater pedestrian access and a designated bus route, was more suitable than Quarry Road to carry traffic in the Willaston direction.

Extensive consultations have taken place with the local community, including the town council’s Transport Sub-Committee. Residents of Quarry Road and Hanns Hall Road have received letters informing them of the proposed scheme.

This scheme will be subject to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). A small-scale signing scheme on Hanns Hall Road and Quarry Road has also been included. This signing scheme includes new bend warning signs on Hanns Hall Road at the junction with Quarry Road and two-way traffic flow warning signs along Quarry Road.

Quarry Road isn’t subject to one-way traffic along its route and residents will be able to travel in both directions. The benefit of introducing the scheme by the ETRO method is that it allows for further and formal consultation to be carried out while the scheme is operating.

Councillor Gittins added: “A major advantage of introducing the scheme in this way is that it also allows scope for the scheme to be actively monitored with the ongoing consultation process, meaning what is introduced isn’t definitive and can be amended as deemed necessary.

“The period for an ETRO is 18 months, when a decision as to whether to make the scheme permanent or not will be reached.”

Chester and District Standard: (Credit: Cheshire West and Chester Council)(Credit: Cheshire West and Chester Council) (Image: Cheshire West and Chester Council)

Traffic surveys have been carried out before the scheme was put in place and will be repeated during the experimental phase to look at the level of traffic and impact of the scheme.

The scheme permits cycles to access Quarry Road from the A540 so cyclists won’t be subject to using an alternative route.

If you wish to object to the provisions of the experimental Order continuing in force indefinitely, you may do so in writing, stating the grounds on which it is made.

Should you require any further information regarding this closure, please reference the Public Notices section of the Council's website, email highways@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or contact 0300 123 7036.