Traffic heading to and from Crewe to Chester face roadworks that will see a section of the A51 shut for nearly four months.

Cheshire East Council is to undertake essential improvement works at Wardle, starting on August 31.

The works will see the stabilisation of 750 metres of road over the course of a 16-week closure. A section of road between the junction of Bougheys Distribution and the Texaco Petrol Station will also be resurfaced with new kerbs and gullies installed.

Two diversions will be put in place depending on vehicle type.

Taller HGVs will be diverted via the A54 / A530, while all other vehicles will have to take a circuitous route around the A534 Wrexham Road and A49.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, it will be necessary to close the road completely for the safety of the public and workforce for the duration of the works. We apologise for the disruption this will cause.

“We are working with the local community to minimise this disruption as much as possible and signage will be placed out in advance of the works commencing.”

“We ask residents to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the planned diversion routes.”

Highways personnel will be stationed to facilitate access to businesses in Wardle during normal working hours.