Major works to upgrade the traffic signals at the A538 Water Lane junction of Alderley Road are on schedule and should be completed by the end of next week.
It has been necessary for new cables to be installed at this major junction because a signal cable fault resulted in the loss of audible devices. At the same time as installing new cables, the corroded traffic signal poles are being replaced.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Highways said "The works continue to progress according to schedule, with new ducting installed in the footways and improvements to each crossing point made with the introduction of dimpled paving to aid the visually impaired.
"This coming week will see the installation of ducting in the carriageway and new signal poles in preparation for new signal heads and improvements to the existing traffic islands at Water Lane and Alderley Road. During this 5 day operation temporary 3-way traffic lights will be in use including pedestrian crossing facilities.
"The team managing the scheme are working hard to complete the works and minimise the disruption."
Cllr Rod Menlove said "This is a significant upgrade at this important junction and it is pleasing to see the works progressing so well. What started as a simple re-cabling to sort the problem of a failed audible crossing signal, became a much bigger job when it became apparent that there was no necessary ducting.
"Also newly installed are traffic sensors so that the lights in future will react to the flows of traffic on the three approaches to minimise delays. Some disruption over the 5 day period is inevitable but once the work is completed Wilmslow will have a state of the art traffic signal service."
It is anticipated that the works will be completed at the end of next week, however due to the nature of these works it will depend upon the weather.
Comments
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East Cheshire Council has allowed the contractors to close 6 of the 9 lanes of traffic at this junction, causing huge queues, and mayhem in the town centre. (and without doubt, loss of trade by local businesses as well)
There was no reason why this work could not have been carried out from 7.00pm to 7.00am each night, leaving the old lights in working order, so that traffic could flow normally during the working day. The work on the pavements and Islands could have been carried out with just 1 lane at a time being restricted, adjacent to the actual works.
What is happening is typical of this 'Big Brother' attitude of Maccclesfield and Cheshire East Councils, who don't give a damn about us, especially those who live and work in Wlimslow.
I note that no work is being done today (Sat 5th Oct) and none will be done tomorrow. Would Councillor Menlove please tell us how much are the agreed costs for these completed works.