MOTORISTS have been left frustrated after a key route linking Lymm with the M6 has closed for up to 16 weeks while works take place to install cables for extra electric vehicle charging points at Poplar Services.
There is currently a full road closure on Cherry Lane up to Booth’s Lane. The work originally involved a two-way traffic management system, however, SP Energy Networks have had to make a full road closure due the close proximity of passing HGVs after a lorry struck a safety barrier.
Lymm Councillor Graham Gowland said: “The impact on locals by closing Cherry Lane has been significant. I suspect the project manager looked at a map and simply saw a ‘B road’, but it’s a key route linking Lymm to the motorway network, and it’s causing real issues.
“We’ve got a 16-week closure for this stretch of the road, but that’s only half the route – we still don’t know if other roads will be closed in addition to this, or further stretches of Cherry Lane. Closing this route has also impacted businesses, and the unplanned nature of it has made matters worse. EV charging is really important – over the next few years more people will need to charge their vehicles, and we need charging points on the motorway network, but the planning behind these works leaves a lot to be desired. I’ll be raising it with the company to reduce the impact on the local community.”
Warrington Borough Council has already made an emergency road closure covering three weeks and now has given notice of a further nine week closure.
The Council intends to make an Order under Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to introduce a prohibition of driving on Cherry Lane from its junction with Cherry Corner to its junction with Booths Lane.
The Order will be effective from 13th July 2022 for 9 weeks, as and when signed on site. Access will be under the control of the relevant Contractor for the duration of the works. The alternative routes will be as follows: Cherry Lane (east bound traffic) via Booths Hill Road, Church Road, Higher Lane, High Legh Road, Cliff Lane and vice versa; Cherry Lane (west bound traffic) via Booths Hill Road, Camsley Lane, Stockport Road, Knutsford Road, Cliff Lane and vice versa. The closure is required to allow Scottish Power to install a new 33kv circuit as part of the Green Recovery Project.
A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “This road closure will be in place for up to 16 weeks. However, we are working hard to try and reduce the duration. We have agreed with Warrington Borough Council to work seven days a week (7am – 7pm) to complete the work as quickly as possible.”
