GRAHAM announced that working activities, apart from earthworks operations, would cease on the Congleton Link Road project due to the COVID-19 pandemic on 27th March 2020 (Friday).

Significant progress has been made with earthworks operations over recent weeks, with works completed in accordance with social distancing and government operating procedures outlined for construction companies.

Earthworks were required to be carried out in the dry months of the year to enable progress on the scheme to continue, stalling these works would have threatened the overall success of the project.

Works on the four major structures across the scheme were ceased and this has impacted the scheduled re-opening of Giantswood Lane.

These works will now slowly be reintroduced, along with drainage and road foundation works across the scheme.

These working activities will be undertaken whilst implementing robust public health England and industry guidance measures.

These measures will ensure the welfare of our employees, sub-contractors, supply chain partners and members of the public.

Giantswood Lane is now planned to open to traffic on Friday 24th July 2020.

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Alastair Lewis, Contracts Manager at GRAHAM stated: "While construction work was not required to cease following the Prime Minister's lockdown announcement, it was stated that works should only continue if they could be delivered in full compliance with Government and Public Health England guidance.

"Earthworks at the Congleton Link Road have therefore continued, as they can be carried out in a safe manner which does not place workers at risk.

"We have been able to take advantage of the spring season and dry weather to complete the critical operation to maintain a degree of progress on the project.

"GRAHAM has collaborated with Cheshire East Council to develop a strategy to allow certain works to continue whilst identifying critical activities, developing additional controls and risk assessment on those activities to ensure compliance with guidance, as well as communicating and implementing any changes with all stakeholders, including supply chain partners.

"The Congleton Link Road management team continues to plan, implement and review the changes to operations, welfare, signage and general working arrangements.

"This is in line with the current Government guidance for working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We cannot confirm at this stage the full impact COVID-19 will have on the timetable for the completion of the scheme, but it is our priority that our staff, supply chain partners and the wider community is protected from the risk of infection."

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "The Congleton Link Road project is a major economic driver for the town and is set to improve the connectivity of the road network in the borough.

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"I am delighted to share these images that show the impressive progress that has been made with this project. It is a great credit to Graham that essential works have continued and key milestones in the project have been reached, despite the restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 crisis."

GRAHAM has been working in partnership with Cheshire East Council to provide a new 5.5km bypass for Congleton.

The route for the link road will run to the north of the town, south of Eaton. It will link the A534 Sandbach Road, near its junction with Sandy Lane, to the A536 Macclesfield Road, near its junction with Moss Lane and provide a new crossing at the river Dane.

It will also create improved road connections to both Congleton Business Park and Radnor Park Trading Estate.

The £90 million link road, which will take an estimated 8,500 vehicles-a-day away from the town centre, is due to be completed later on this year.

A flyover video of sections of the new road in construction, filmed in March, can be viewed here.

Latest news from the site can be seen on the council's website here or visit GRAHAM's website.