OVERNIGHT road closures are planned as part of Environment Agency flood defence work in Northwich town centre.

The agency is due to start work on Dane Street Bridge on Monday, February 15, to help reduce the risk of flooding to town centre businesses from the River Dane.

The construction is set to run for eight weeks to late April, and the agency said the work could be completed safely only with lane and road closures.

“This is because of the nature of the works,” said the agency.

“The agency’s contractor, Galliford Try, will need to install footings for the flood defences within the road and pavement surfaces.

“Commencing on the start date, the left hand lane on Dane Street Bridge will be closed for four weeks before swapping to a right hand lane closure for another four weeks, enabling that side to be completed too.

“During these times there will be no pedestrian access on the side of whichever lane is closed.

“On occasion, a full road closure will also be required to facilitate the smooth running of the works.

“These overnight road closures are planned from Monday, February 29 for three weeks between 10pm and 2am, and on limited occasions this may be extended to 6am.

“The finished flood defences in this location will be demountable and will be installed when high river levels are forecast; they are already being used by the agency in locations such as Shrewsbury and Bewdley.

“The demountable defences need to be in place during high flows when flooding to the road is expected, and will require the bridge to remain closed while they are in place.

“The defences will be erected across Dane Street Bridge at both ends.”

A four-page leaflet has been created showing a detailed map of the affected area around Dane Street Bridge, access into Northwich during road closures, a list of alternative routes into town during the works and key contact information.

The A5 leaflet will also be available to pick up from Northwich Information Centre on Chester Way and Northwich Library from February 15.

To see the leaflet visit www.visitnorthwich.co.uk/dane-bridge-lane-road-closures-leaflet