DRIVERS have been handed a boost ahead of Christmas as roadworks in Northwich and Winsford will be suspended for the festive period.

From now until 11.59pm on Sunday, January 7, all non-essential roadworks across Cheshire West will stop, with only urgent and emergency repairs taking place.

The suspension only applies to the borough’s road network, however Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Highways Service is working with the other network operators, such as National Highways and Network Rail, to minimise the impact of any proposed works on their own networks, through promoting off-peak and night-time working.

Which areas and roads will benefit from the suspension?

Northwich

No roadworks to take place within the town centre area and also on the following roads within a two-mile (3.2km) radius of the Municipal Building; A556, A533, A559, B5082 and School Lane, Hartford.

Winsford

No roadworks to take place within the town centre area and also on the following roads within a 1.5-mile (2.5km) radius of the Municipal Building; A54, A5018, B5074, Bradford Road and Road One.

What the council has said

Cllr Karen Shore, CWAC’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: “At this time of year we of course see a significant increase in both the number of vehicles and pedestrians in and around our major shopping centres, in the run-up to and through the Christmas and New Year periods.

“A roadworks embargo has worked well in previous years and will help visitors and shoppers access the borough’s wonderful shopping and leisure facilities by keeping traffic running smoothly.

“Our Streetworks team may, of course, need to grant permits for work on the road network during these dates if emergency repairs are needed to ensure the supply of vital utility services to homes and businesses.”