14 December 2009
The third phase of a major scheme to improve water supplies across Cheshire will start in the New Year.
Engineers working on behalf of United Utilities will lay a 4.5km section of the water company's new 19.5km pipeline which runs across the heart of the Cheshire countryside from Saturday, January 9 2010.
Ian Grzelak, United Utilities' Project Manager, said: "Our new pipeline will tackle issues we've had in recent years with low water pressure, which has affected customers in Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich.
"This problem has arisen due to the significant growth in population across this area since the existing water pipes were commissioned - and it is expected to grow in the future.
"Extensive housing development has also put pressure on the water network and at peak times when customers use a lot of water at the same time their water pressure can dip temporarily.
"Our work will ensure hundreds of customers across Cheshire will have a modern and reliable network befitting of its growing population."
The third phase will see engineers working on the northbound side of the A534 Old Mill Road in Sandbach.
Whilst this section of pipe is being laid an agreement with East Cheshire Council has been reached to close off the northbound lane (heading towards the M6) for three weeks from the junction of High Street and The Hill through to the junction with Congleton Road.
A signed diversion route will be put in place taking traffic via Betchton, Rode Heath and Arclid Green.
It is advised that motorists using this route plan extra time for their journeys whilst these essential improvements are being carried out.
All other roads around Sandbach will remain open as usual and southbound traffic on Old Mill Road will have its speed restricted to 30mph.
"We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this work may cause," said Ian.
"We will do our utmost to complete this section of work and reopen the road as quickly as possible."
The scheme, which is expected to be completed by autumn next year, is part of United Utilities' £2.9 billion water quality and environmental improvement programme for 2005-2010.
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