Updated: Pendleton Way section of A34 bypass will reopen this week

by Lisa Reeves

Monday 20^th December 2021

Mon 20^th Dec 2021

Update: 23rd December

As many local residents will have noticed the northbound section of the A34 Wilmslow bypass named Pendleton remains closed today and has not been opened as we were informed.

I am currently awaiting another update from Cheshire East Council.

The northbound carriageway of the A34 Wilmslow bypass will reopen between Prestbury Road and Alderley Road later this week.

Pendleton Way has been shut for nearly two weeks since Storm Barra brought severe winds and heavy rain on Wednesday 8th December.

Councillor Craig Browne, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee has confirmed to alderleyedge.com that this section of the northbound carriageway will reopen on the evening of Wednesday, 22nd December.

He said "The delay has been due to the need to install concrete barrier protection, as a result of which both northbound lanes will be narrowed and have a reduced speed restriction whilst the temporary pumps are in place. Contractors will be installing the barrier protection over the course of the next two days.

"The long term solution is likely to be both complex and costly, involving the replacement of the existing pumping station. The pumps failed as a
result of a fallen tree obstructing Whitehall Brook and causing the pumping chambers themselves to become flooded, which in turn caused the equipment to
short circuit. In every other respect, the pumps were serviced and in working order."

He added "I thank everyone for their continued patience and would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and restful Christmas period."

Tags:: A34 Bypass

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

John Harries

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 11:33 am

So the earlier diagnosis/press release has been amended! It was not "end of life" issue but more an act of god.
Isn't the Whitehall Brook area where all the new sewer workings on the Royal London site have been taking place recently, many established trees have disappeared in the process, did no-one notice that a tree had blocked the brook....? Perhaps the flood high level alarm in the pumping station didn't work on this occasion, ho hum

Jerry Dixon

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 2:22 pm

Road still not open, another deadline date missed. You really can't confuse CEC with an organisation that is even remotely competent.

John Cookson

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 2:30 pm

According to the article it was supposed to open on 22nd. It's now the 23rd - it's still closed.

Nigel Finch

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 3:33 pm

Appreciate worker safety is hugely important, but I can't really understand why the outer lane can't be opened, with a 20mph speed limit and lots of cones. That would unload Wilmslow of a huge amount of traffic thats just passing through.

Bob Bracegirdle

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 3:42 pm

I think it has been much more complex than originally thought. Huge damage to the pumping station and I imagine some difficulties getting replacement equipment. Contractors aren’t necessarily hanging around with nothing to do either. I’ve got three personal small domestic contracts and they are all running late with supply and covid affected staff problems. Not surprised that this job has been delayed.

Simon Rodrigues

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 4:08 pm

So over the top and waste of Tax payers money..

Jean Berman

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 6:24 pm

So did anyone really expect CE to sort it out

Alan Brough

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 9:43 pm

So, “Accountability”

This has gone horribly wrong.

CEC have been found to have no influence over their sub-contractors. They’ve made promises that they’ve not been able to deliver.

What next?

Tony Haluradivth

Thursday 23^rd December 2021 at 10:46 pm

It was supposed to have opened at 8.30 pm tonight 23rd December...I think the work has been completed but it will probably be 2 weeks now to get a lorry to remove the road closure signs and the cones :(( The Council and CEC Highways are a bunch of Clowns in a one act circus they deserve zero respect going forward.

Sarah Wilkinson

Tuesday 28^th December 2021 at 5:51 pm

What "road closure" signs? Having been assured that the road would be re-opened BEFORE December 23rd, foolishly tried to join the bypass at Whitehall Bridge, coming from King's Arms area. No "road closed" signs until we reached the bypass. The ensuing "turn around" then put us back in the seemingly endless queue to return to the King's Arms roundabout and another slog through the town centre. One hour and twenty minutes to travel eight miles.