NI-based contractor Graham has been appointed to build a new £90 million link road scheme in Cheshire East.

The 5.5km Congleton Link Road project will link the A536 Macclesfield Road to the north with the A534 Sandbach Road to the west, significantly improving travel between Macclesfield, Congleton and the M6.

The scheme involves building two road bridge crossings and two underpasses which will feature comprehensive environmental mitigation and conservation measures to protect wildlife and ancient woodland.

Overall, the development will unlock key sites for housing and employment and provide a major economic boost to Congleton, relieving traffic congestion in the town centre and improving east-west connectivity. Construction could begin later this year, with the new road set to open to traffic in late 2020.

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Cllr Don Stockton said: "I am pleased to be able to announce that the council has appointed Graham Construction to build the Congleton Link Road.

"Graham Construction is a well-known, highly-reputable firm with an enviable track record in delivering prestige projects in the area of civil engineering and road building.

"The Congleton Link Road represents another major highways scheme in the ongoing programme of infrastructure development across the borough. This will help to unlock and support further economic growth, new investment and jobs and business opportunities for the area."

Philip Cox, Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "This scheme will support the development of more than 2,400 homes and 20 hectares (50 acres) of employment land to the north of Congleton with the potential to generate 3,000 jobs by 2035 and £13m per year into the local economy."

Leo Martin, Managing Director of Graham, said: "This strategically important scheme will bring long-term benefits to the Congleton community.

"This is a real coup for us and we are relishing the prospect of working with Cheshire East Council on this important project that will bring economic and social regeneration to the town and the Congleton area."

(LM/MH)