A MAIN route in and out of Chester is to be closed to all traffic for at least one week next month.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that Old Dee Bridge, linking the city centre with Handbridge, will be closed from February 19 to enable traffic signal refurbishment works to be carried out.

A traffic order posted by the local authority says in relation to the closure: "It is anticipated that the works will take approximately one week to complete, however pending investigation on-site, potential for closure to be in place for up to two weeks."

Handbridge Park ward councillor Matt Carter sought clarification whether the road would be closed to pedestrians and cyclists as well as motor vehicles, and has confirmed that will be the case.

Posting on his Facebook page, Cllr Carter said: "The set of lights at either side are to be replaced and new ducting pipe is to be installed between them, this will see both the bridge close for cars and pedestrians, allowing for the bridge and footways to be resurfaced as part of the work.

"The work is timed to coincide with February half term to try and reduce disruption, and if they complete the work within two weeks they will reopen what they can, likely starting with the footpaths."

During the closure, which will run round the clock, motor vehicles are advised to travel via Grosvenor Bridge over the River Dee, while pedestrians and cyclists can use either Grosvenor Bridge or Queens Park Suspension Bridge.

Previously, the local authority had considered carrying out works on Grosvenor Bridge in February, but the latest update is that reconstruction and strengthening works on the damaged section – hit twice by cars in 2022 – will now take place simultaneously after listed building consent has been obtained, at a date yet to be announced.