THE anticipated extension of a period of roadworks in south Warrington which are causing long traffic delays has been confirmed.

Work started on the junction of Chester Road, Ackers Road and Lumb Brook Road in the school summer holidays.

The improvements were due to be completed this week, however delays have meant the project will now be completed in ‘two to three weeks’

A ‘national shortage of materials’ and remedial works are among the reasons for the delay.

Updating residents on social media, Cllr Judith Wheeler, ward councillor for Stockton Heath, said: “The work was due to be completed this week but will be extended for another two to three weeks.

“The main reason for the delay is a national shortage of materials, in particular relating to the installation of traffic signal equipment and apparatus.

“In addition, the works have been extended to include numerous remedial works to the existing drainage system to address concerns of the local residents.”

For the second time this autumn, Lumb Brook Road has been closed for motorists trying to head towards Chester Road.

And the result is very long delays at rush hour and school collection times, especially for motorists trying to join the A49 London Road.

Drivers have reported delays of up to half an hour at key times since the closures started.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson previously said: “These works are part of a planned traffic signal renewal scheme which is being undertaken in phases, and we have now reached the third and final phase.

“The first phase of the works started during the school summer holidays.

“This involved closing Lumb Brook Road in one direction and switching off all of the traffic signals at its junctions with Chester Road and Stockton Lane.

“The signals at Chester Road and Ackers Road were left on.

“The works were then paused to enable events such as the Tour of Britain and the Warrington Running Festival to take place safely, and work began again towards the end of September with the start of the second phase of the works.

“The second phase has been completed, which included works undertaken during the October half term break, and the third phase of the scheme is now underway.

“In this third phase, the existing traffic signals are being replaced, so temporary traffic signals and the closure of Lumb Brook Road must remain in place until the works are completed.

“This is programmed for the end of November to early December, dependent on weather conditions.

“As much work as possible has been undertaken without switching the existing traffic signals off, which included the whole of the second phase of the works, but we have now reached the stage in this third phase where these traffic management measures must be put in place to enable our contractors to work safely."