George Osborne to open Cheshire bypass on Friday

The long-awaited Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley bypass will be officially opened by the Tatton MP on 19 November almost a century after the first plans for the route were drawn up.

The three-mile route was funded with £48.4m from the Department for Transport, the remainder provided by Cheshire East Council.

Around 26,000 vehicles a day are expected to be removed from small roads in villages in the area, improving journey times, pollution and safety. It will also improve access to Manchester Airport, the M6 and the M60.

Contract Birse Civils completed the 22-month construction project within budget and ahead of schedule. The work included construction of a railway bridge to carry the West Coast Main Line over the bypass, as well as three road bridges and one footbridge and improvements to side roads and existing junctions. Other works have included new cycling and pedestrian facilities, street lighting, signage, extensive landscaping and tree planting.

The bypass runs to the west of Alderley Edge, starting at Harden Park roundabout and rejoining the existing A34 to the south of Nether Alderley.

Cllr Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: "The opening of the bypass is a momentous occasion for the people of Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley. Given that the project was first mooted in the 1920s, local residents have been waiting for an extremely long time and I am delighted to see their patience finally being rewarded.

"When the council came into being we identified the bypass as a priority as part of our commitment to grow and develop a sustainable Cheshire East, building upon the excellent preparation carried out by our predecessor authority, Cheshire County Council. The bypass will restore tranquillity to these historic villages and provide a convenient route for the thousands of commuters who pass this way every day."

Dave Lowiss, regional managing director North West for Birse Civils, said: "This has been a very exciting and challenging project for Birse Civils which showcased many disciplines of civil engineering.

"Opening the scheme more than six months early is testament to the success of this collaborative approach. The entire team must be congratulated on the level of engagement with stakeholders to fully integrate them into the project and minimise disruption."