Colin Daniels
A BUSINESS leader is predicting seven weeks of misery for Warrington motorists when structural maintenance work starts on the A50 Knutsford Road on September 19.
Colin Daniels, chief executive of Warrington Chamber of Commerce says the announcement of the work will be welcomed by business travellers “like a hole in the head.”
He wants to know why Warrington Borough Council could not arrange for the work to be carried out at night.
The council has announced that the work, involving the inward/westbound carriageway between Halla Way and Wilderspool Causeway, will be carried out in three phases between 9.30am and 3.30pm and 7pm and midnight.
It will involve road closures between 7pm and midnight and lane closures during the day.
Diversion routes will be signposted.
Mr Daniels said: “When will the council acknowledge the cost to business of traffic delays and in the case of these ‘improvements’ why isn’t ALL the work carried out between 7pm and midnight.?”
He questioned the likely impact on the works of swing bridge closures on the Manchester Ship Canal and incidents on the motorways.
Mr Daniels said that at the yearly budget meeting between the council and business interests he had asked what consideration business was given by the council.
“I have to say the answer is silence,” he said.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We always consider the needs of residents and business when carrying out roadworks. We have communicated with local businesses about the Knutsford Road improvements at an early stage and will continue to do so throughout the works.
“It is not always possible to carry out all of the work overnight as we have to take into consideration the noise impact on local residents.
“However, we work hard to minimise disruption to businesses, by limiting the working hours between 9:30pm and midnight for resurfacing, and carrying out only minor elements of works during the day time, between 9:30am and 3:30pm. We also assist businesses by providing advanced notice and signage to coordinate deliveries.
“It’s important to remember that, ultimately, these resurfacing works will bring huge environmental and visual benefits to local businesses and the wider community when complete.”
The council says once work commences, additional information on phasing and diversion routes will be available at www.warrington.gov.uk/roadworks
