Clockwise Chester: Council says 'bear with us' amid Nicholas Street disruption

For much of the past 12 months, traffic had been moving relatively smoothly on the one-way Clockwise system, which was implemented so a huge new surface drain tunnel could be installed underneath city centre streets from the site of the new Northgate Development to Castle Drive.

However, it has been the works in recent weeks to rebuild the central reservation, traffic signals and lighting along Nicholas Street which has caused long delays for motorists heading into Chester over Grosvenor Bridge, with traffic routinely backed up to Overleigh Roundabout and beyond.

Nicholas Street traffic and roadworks.

Matters were not helped by a water leak at Grosvenor Roundabout by the HQ building, which required a separate lane closure at the traffic lights junction at the start of the week.

Currently, Nicholas Street is reduced to one lane of traffic northbound by the junction with Lower Watergate Street, with St Martin's Way also limited to one lane by the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

CWaC says one lane closure is necessary for either side of the central reservation works to provide a safe working area and protect workers from traffic.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member – environment, highways and strategic transport said: “Despite the Clockwise diversions working well for the past year, we are aware these recent works have resulted in significant delays and caused inconvenience to many residents.

"Please bear with us over the coming weeks while we complete the final stage of what has been a major infrastructure project for the city.

“The new surface water drain will provide many future-proof environmental benefits for years to come, not least to significantly reduce instances of flooding and the number of untreated sewage discharges into the river when the current network is at capacity, both high profile national issues at the moment.”

One of the two Tunnel Boring Machines used on the new Chester surface water drainage tunnel.

One lane was reopened on the other side of Nicholas Street, from Lower Watergate Street to Grosvenor Roundabout, allowing traffic to head from New Crane Street to Grosvenor Roundabout without needing to do a whole loop of the city centre.

Once the work is complete and it is safe to do so, traffic will revert to two lanes northbound wherever possible, to reduce the impact on traffic coming into the city from the Grosvenor Road direction.

To help decrease traffic delays, some works will now be carried out overnight when roads need to be fully closed to enable power ducts to be installed to the traffic signals and for resurfacing. Diversion routes and access only routes will be fully signposted.

The overnight closures will take place on:

• Saturday, November 20 – no left turn from Watergate Street into St Martin's Way from 8pm-6am Sunday, November 21
• Sunday, November 21 – no right turn out of Watergate Street into Nicholas Street and no left turn from Nicholas Street into Watergate Street from 8pm to 6am Monday, November 22
• During the two November closures, one lane northbound on St Martin's Way will be maintained.
• Tuesday, December 14 – St Martin's Way northbound between Watergate Street and Sens Close from 8pm to 6am Wednesday, December 15
• Wednesday, December 15 – St Martin's Way northbound between Watergate Street and Sens Close from 8pm to 6am Thursday, December 16.

CWaC says it is working closely with the contractor to minimise the impact on traffic and complete the work quickly, but "regretfully", some delays are inevitable.

The revised Clockwise Chester map.

The council adds to help reduce congestion, drivers are recommended to plan their journeys and allow more time, consider alternative routes into the city or travel more sustainably using public transport, cycle and walking routes.

Where feasible through traffic should use the A55 or via Queensferry to bypass the city centre to from the south of the city, North Wales and Wrexham.