Work on the new £192m bypass between the M56 and M6 is to cause more disruption for drivers, with the Bowdon roundabout set for five weeks of overnight closures from next week.
The project, to build a 4.5 mile new A556 dual carriageway between Knutsford and Bowdon, is entering a new phase with re-routing of utility services around Bowdon roundabout and traffic management re-alignment along the existing A556 between the roundabout and Bucklow Hill.
Nightly closures during the week for up to five weeks will be starting on Tuesday 29th March between 9pm and 5am each night – except on Friday nights when closures will begin at 9pm but end an hour later, at 6am, on Saturdays. No closures are planned on Saturday or Sunday nights.
On different nights the overnight closures will affect the A556, slip roads for the M56 and parts of the A56 at the roundabout. Full details and diversion information for work on specific dates are below.
Highways England project manager Jonathan Stokes said: “This is a planned phase of work on this important project and we’ve worked closely with the companies providing water, electricity, broadband and other services so we can do the re-routing in one go to minimise disruption to drivers.
“Needless to say, we’re advising anyone travelling overnight to check what work we’re planning before setting out and leave some extra time for journeys – especially if they are heading to Manchester Airport via the A556.”
With work on the new road – due to open in around a year’s time – going well, Highways England has published the latest aerial photographs of the new route taking shape.
The latest aerial pictures include views of the road layout around Bucklow Hill Lane; the section south of Bowdon roundabout where the existing A556 will merge with the new road; the new Tabley link near junction 19 of the M6 and work on the road layout at Bentley Hurst Lane.
The closures in detail:
Tuesday 29th March to Friday 1st April – Bowdon Roundabout works
Stage 1 (anticipated two night duration) – There will be two way traffic lights on the northbound side of Bowdon roundabout allowing traffic to travel in both directions along the A56 between Lymm and Altrincham. There will be a total closure of all M56 junction 7 slip roads, as well as the A556 north and southbound between Bowdon roundabout and Bucklow Hill. Junction 8 of the M56 will also be closed.
Stage 2 (anticipated one night duration) – There will be two way traffic lights on the southbound side of Bowdon roundabout allowing traffic to travel in both directions along the A56 between Lymm and Altrincham with total closures of all M56 junction 7 slip roads. Traffic from Altrincham will be able to access the eastbound M56 and southbound A556. Traffic from Lymm will NOT be able to access the M56 or A556.
Stage 3 (anticipated one night duration)- Total Closure of A56 Lymm Road outside Costain compound.
Monday 4th April to Friday 8th April – A556 switch to phase 3.
There will be a total closure of the A556 north & southbound carriageway between Bowdon roundabout and Bucklow Hill, incorporating a total closure of M56 Junction 8 entry slip.
Monday 11th April to Friday 29th April (not at weekends) – Bowdon Roundabout works
Stage 1 (anticipated 10-night duration) – There will be two way traffic lights on the northbound side of Bowdon roundabout allowing traffic to travel in both directions along the A56 between Lymm and Altrincham. There will be a total closure of all M56 junction 7 slip roads, as well as the A556 north and southbound between Bowdon roundabout and Bucklow Hill. Junction 8 of the M56 will also be closed.
Stage 2 (anticipated three-night duration) – There will be two way traffic lights on the southbound side of Bowdon roundabout allowing traffic to travel in both directions along the A56 between Lymm and Altrincham with total closures of all M56 junction 7 slip roads. Traffic from Altrincham will be able to access the eastbound M56 and southbound A556. Traffic from Lymm will NOT be able to access the M56 or A556.
Stage 3 (anticipated two-night duration) – Total Closure of A56 Lymm Road outside Costain compound.
