Transport disruption in Chester
Overview
We're proud of our past, now we're building the future
Please plan your journey into Chester this year, major building projects across the city will affect our roads. Where possible choose public transport.
Essential infrastructure work starts in March 2020 including our improvement schemes as well as private developments.
We are investing in Chester city centre, creating amazing places and high quality facilities for people to enjoy such as Chester Northgate.
Impact to the highways and some inconvenience to journeys into and out of the city centre is unavoidable. We are working to keep disruption to a minimum and keep you informed when and where impact will be the greatest.
Drainage works - St Martin's Way, Nicholas Street and Castle Drive
- Start date: July 2020
- Completion: November 2021
A new rain and surface water drainage tunnel is being installed in Chester city centre. This is a major infrastructure project that will take approximately one year to complete and will have a substantial impact on traffic using the inner ring road. This will regrettably result in some disruption, but will enable major regeneration of the city centre for the benefit of residents and visitors for years to come.
The new drain will result in many future-proof environmental protections and benefits, including reducing the risk of flooding and drain bursts. The drain will be routed down St Martin's Way, Nicholas Street and Castle Drive.
Chester inner ring road diversions - November 2020 until November 2021
During the full drain construction period, St. Martin's Way and Nicholas Street will be closed to southbound traffic from the Fountains Roundabout. For full details of the drain construction works:
Chester Northgate
- Start date: June 2020
- Phase 1 completion: Spring 2022
The scheme will include an arched arcade from the former library frontage into a new public square, an indoor market hall relocated from the Forum, a six screen cinema, cafés and restaurants, co-working office spaces and a multi-storey car park to replace the Market and Princess Street car parks which will close once Northgate is completed.
A51 Tarvin to Cheshire improvement scheme
- Start date: Summer 2020
- Completion: Spring 2021
This project will deliver a series of major junction and roundabout improvement for better traffic flow and travel times.
Wrexham Road
King's Moat Garden Village is a new housing development for 1,300 new homes to be built by Taylor Wimpey and Redrow on Wrexham Road. The development is two miles from Chester City Centre.
Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse's £100 million redevelopment including the demolition of the Leverhulme Grandstand and removal of all car parking and ancillary buildings between the railway viaduct, Holiday Inn Express and the County Stand.
A new pedestrian zone for racegoers and the public will be created between the County Stand, viaduct and Holiday Inn Express.
A new Conference and Events Centre linked to a new Hospitality Grandstand is to be located between the Holiday Inn Express and the racecourse, with a service courtyard between the two buildings.
Public transport
During this period of disruption, it is advisable to plan your journey and allow more time. Consider alternative routes, using public transport or the Park and Ride services or avoid peak times where possible.
Park and Ride
Park and Ride is a convenient way of getting about the city as well as being environmentally friendly.
Tickets are now available on the Stagecoach Bus App to make your journey even easier.
There are four park and ride car parks all located around the City Centre:
- Boughton Heath (off the A41 Whitchurch Road - nearest postcode CH3 5QD)
- Sealand Road (on the A548 opposite the car dealerships - nearest postcode CH1 4LD)
- Upton (Zoo - nearest postcode CH2 4BB)
- Wrexham Road (off the A483 opposite Chester Business Park - nearest postcode CH4 9QD)
Bus routes
As well as the Park and Ride services, Chester is well served by regular bus services. These provide a sustainable alternative to car travel and you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
You can also plan your journey by public transport on Traveline.
The two bus main operators are Stagecoach and Arriva.
Trains
There are frequent local and national trains into Chester Railway Station.
Cycling
If health and fitness is one of your resolutions for 2020 then why not consider cycling to work or for pleasure. It's cheap and easy and you’ll avoid the traffic jams as well as improve your fitness. You'll also be doing your bit for the environment.
Plan ahead for the best cycle routes and maps.
