Bypass to reopen earlier than thought after National Grid works (From Knutsford Guardian)

Bypass to reopen earlier than thought after National Grid works

3:47pm Wednesday 4th July 2012 in News By James Wilson

A BYPASS that has been closed in order to replace overhead wires will reopen later today, Wednesday.

National Grid will reopen the Alderley Edge bypass at 5pm today - four days earlier than expected after engineers completed their work on the overhead line spanning the road.

The company is investing £28 million on refurbishing two sections of overhead line which run between Daines near Manchester, Macclesfield and Cellarhead near Stoke on Trent.

As part of this essential work, the bypass was scheduled to be closed for a period of 18 days between Wednesday, June 20 and Saturday, July 7 to replace wires which help deliver electricity to homes across Cheshire and beyond.

The work has been finished four days early.

William Fenton, project manager, said: “Our engineers have done a first class job in getting the new wires in place over the bypass. They have worked incredibly hard in very poor weather conditions to complete the work early.

“We were aware of concerns about the road being closed to traffic and worked with the local authority highways department and with the parish council to plan and publicise the closure. We are grateful for their assistance which has helped us keep the traffic flowing while the work has been underway.

“I would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to all the people, road users and businesses in Alderley Edge for the patience they have show during our vital works around the bypass.”

The lines which cross the bypass are part of the larger network of overhead lines, underground cables and substations that carry high voltage electricity across the country. The refurbishment work will keep the lines in good working order to ensure that everyone has the power they need, safely, and at the touch of a button.

National Grid’s operations in the area will continue until October this year but will not have any further impact on the bypass or other major roads in Alderley Edge.

A special contact number has been set up for people to ring if they have questions about National Grid’s work. The number is 0800 389 7235.