A NEW re-opening date for the A556 has been announced.

The section of the road between Lostock Green and Lostock Gralam was set to re-open on Tuesday, September 19, but Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) say ‘inclement weather’ has set the work back by two days.

The westbound carriageway has been closed since a sinkhole opened up on Sunday, September 3, and the eastbound carriageway also closed on Friday, September 15 to allow work to proceed safely .

Workers have encountered several problems along the way, including a collapsed drain, while trying to get the road open.

Northwich Guardian: The road closure is causing major disruption to commuters and businessesThe road closure is causing major disruption to commuters and businesses (Image: David Furmston)

CWAC has provided a new update on the situation, with the road now set to re-open in time for the evening rush hour on Thursday, September 21.

A spokesman for CWAC said: "The team have struggled over the last couple of days due to the inclement weather.

“Unfortunately, the trench kept filling with rain water whilst the operatives were trying to undertake the work, so they have had to keep having the gulley tankers out to site to drain away the excess water.

"However, there is good news.

“I can now confirm that the new drain is now all connected up, and they are ready to start to remove the trench box and backfill the hole tomorrow.

“They plan to resurface Thursday morning, and hope to have the TM removed and the road re-opened in time for Thursday evening rush hour."

The closure is causing significant disruption for residents, businesses, and commuters.

CWAC councillor for Leftwich, Andrew Cooper, said: “I know this has been really frustrating for many people - myself included.

“However, the end is now in sight, and it looks like it should be re-opening on Thursday evening, all being well.”