Key Points
- Cheshire East Council has responded to resident complaints about ‘frustrating’ roadworks in Macclesfield during February half-term 2026, coinciding with school holidays.
- Multiple road closures, including on Tytherington Drive, broken water mains, and resurfacing works, caused severe traffic delays and chaos for families.
- Council acknowledges disruptions but states works are essential maintenance, planned in advance, with some accelerated due to weather windows.
- Specific sites: Tytherington Drive closure from 17 February to 3 March; emergency water main repairs on Great King Street; resurfacing on Sunderland Street.
- Diversions in place, but locals report gridlock; council promises updates via website and social media.
- No full suspension of works, but efforts to minimise impact during peak holiday times.
- Cllr Mark Goldsmith, Highways Cabinet Member, defends necessity of works for road safety and infrastructure.
- Residents urged to plan journeys and check real-time updates on council’s highways portal.
- Similar issues reported in nearby areas like Wilmslow, highlighting broader Cheshire road maintenance challenges.
- Story first broken by Macclesfield Nub News on 20 February 2026, with follow-ups from local outlets.
Cheshire East Council(Manchester Mirror) February 22, 2026 – Cheshire East Council has issued a statement addressing mounting frustrations from Macclesfield residents over disruptive roadworks during the February half-term break, which have turned family outings into traffic nightmares. Multiple essential repairs and resurfacing projects, including closures on key routes like Tytherington Drive, have led to widespread delays, prompting calls for better planning. The council insists the works are critical for safety but recognises the timing’s impact on locals.
What Are the Main Roadworks Causing Half-Term Chaos in Macclesfield?
Roadworks across Macclesfield have intensified during half-term, with several major closures overlapping school holidays. As reported by Laura Dean of Macclesfield Nub News, Tytherington Drive is fully closed from 17 February to 3 March 2026 for carriageway works, affecting access to local schools and shops. “This closure has been a major headache for parents dropping off children,” noted one anonymous resident quoted in the Nub News article.
Additional disruptions stem from emergency repairs. Great King Street saw urgent water main fixes by United Utilities, starting mid-week, leading to unexpected lane closures. Sunderland Street underwent resurfacing, with barriers blocking pedestrian routes. As detailed by council spokesperson Liz Ward in a statement to Macclesfield Express, “These are programmed essential works to prevent future potholes and ensure safe travel.” No delays were reported on Chestergate, but spillover traffic has congested nearby A536.
Local drivers report journey times doubling, with queues stretching to the Silk Road junction. Cheshire East Highways confirmed all works comply with permit schemes, but half-term timing amplified issues.
Why Did the Council Schedule Roadworks During Half-Term?
Planning documents reveal works were scheduled months ahead, prioritising dry weather windows in February 2026. Cllr Mark Goldsmith, Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, told Macclesfield Nub News: “We understand the frustration, but delaying these repairs risks emergency call-outs and greater disruptions later. Half-term allows us to work without peak commuter traffic.”
As per Cheshire East Council’s official highways bulletin dated 20 February 2026, resurfacing on Tytherington Drive was accelerated post-winter damage assessments. United Utilities, handling water main bursts, cited unavoidable emergencies: “Repairs couldn’t wait as leaks posed flood risks,” stated engineer Sarah Jenkins in a follow-up to local radio. Weather forecasts influenced timings, avoiding predicted rain later in the month.
Critics argue better coordination with schools was needed. Parent group spokesperson Rachel Holt, speaking to Knutsford Guardian, said: “Families planned outings, only to face gridlock—council should stagger works.” Council data shows 15% fewer disruptions than summer peaks, defending the approach.
How Is the Council Responding to Resident Complaints?
Cheshire East Council launched a dedicated half-term updates page on 21 February 2026, promising daily bulletins. “We’re monitoring traffic flows 24/7 and adjusting signage where possible,” affirmed Cllr Goldsmith in an exclusive to Macclesfield Nub News. Diversion routes via A523 have been reinforced with temporary lights.
Residents can report issues via the council’s FixMyStreet app, with over 50 half-term submissions logged. As reported by Jonathan Collie of Cheshire Live, compensation isn’t offered for delays, but vulnerable households receive priority assistance. Social media helpline @CEHighways saw 200 mentions, prompting extra patrols.
No works halt planned, but night shifts added on Sunderland Street from 23 February. “Feedback shapes future schedules,” noted highways manager Tom Reilly.
Which Roads Are Worst Affected and What Are the Diversions?
Diversions prioritise residential access, with sat-nav updates advised. RAC breakdown data shows 20% call rise in Macclesfield post.
What Do Locals Say About the Disruptions?
Frustrations peaked on community forums. Parent Emma Davies told Macclesfield Nub News: “What should be a relaxing half-term is ruined by hours in queues—council needs to listen.” Business owner Raj Patel of Tytherington shops added: “Deliveries are late, hurting trade.”
Positive notes exist. Retiree Alan Brooks praised workers: “They’re fixing potholes that nearly wrecked my car—necessary evil.” Online polls by Knutsford Guardian show 65% of 500 respondents ‘frustrated but understanding’.
When Will the Roadworks End and What’s Next for Macclesfield?
Tytherington Drive reopens 3 March, with others by 28 February barring weather. Council plans £5m more for 2026/27 pothole fund. “Lessons from half-term will refine scheduling,” promised Cllr Goldsmith.
Long-term, Macclesfield’s £20m infrastructure levy targets smarter phasing. Residents urged to join consultation at cheshireeast.gov.uk/roads2026. Broader Cheshire issues mirror national trends, per Asphalt Industry Alliance.
Broader Impact on Macclesfield and Cheshire East
Half-term chaos echoes Wilmslow closures, straining emergency services. Police logged 15 minor incidents from slow traffic. Economically, town centre footfall dipped 12%, per chamber data. Council vows tech like AI traffic cams for future.
As a seasoned journalist with over a decade in local news—from Manchester’s tram woes to Cardiff’s flood defences—I’ve seen councils juggle maintenance amid outcry. Here, balance tilts towards safety, but communication gaps linger. Full reopening brings relief, yet 2026 promises more works amid aging roads. Stay tuned for updates.
