CHESHIRE West and Chester Council will begin essential repairs on Wharton roundabout bridge from next week.

Major bridge maintenance work will start on Sunday, July 29, focusing on the south side bridge (westbound) on Wharton roundabout and are estimated to take five to six weeks.

The repairs will involve lane closures with diversions and overnight road closures between 8pm and 5.30am.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said: “In order to keep the south side bridge open to traffic, the works will be phased to be done in two halves.

“The works will involve re-waterproofing the concrete bridge deck, replacing the bridge expansion joints and resurfacing.

“We appreciate the public’s patience during these vital maintenance works. It is essential the repairs are completed before the winter months or more serious deterioration of the road surface could occur.”

For the first phase, the outside of the roundabout on the westbound bridge will be closed to traffic and also the A54 between the Railway Station roundabout and Wharton roundabout.

Traffic will be diverted up Road One and the A5018 to Wharton roundabout.

Local traffic can still use Station Road for access. This first phase will last approximately three weeks.

For the second phase of the works, the inside of the roundabout will be closed with traffic diverted up the A54 to the roundabout by the Railway Station and back down to Wharton roundabout.

During the period of the entire works, access over the south side bridge will be closed for approximately six nights in total with a signed diversion using Road One or the A533, A556, A49 and A54 back to Winsford. Signs will be placed by the bridge giving the dates of overnight closures.

More information about the project will be available on the Council website soon.