CHESTER Road was gridlocked this morning with cars displaced by a two-day closure of Mancunian Way.

Manchester’s ring road is completely closed to remove the contraflow system that has been in place since a huge sinkhole appeared in August and to repaint road markings.

The Mancunian Way will then reopen fully from 6am Wednesday 15 June.

This morning, city-bound traffic was backed up on Chester Road, and the problem was exacerbated by a traffic lights failure on the White City roundabout during rush hour.

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time for journeys.

Messenger Newspapers:

This map shows how city-bound traffic from Chester Road will be affected

John Fryer, TfGM’s events manager, said: “The full reopening of the Mancunian Way is undoubtedly great news. It has been a significant challenge for us in terms of managing the traffic flows on already busy roads – but we’ve used our state-of-the-art control centre to adjust traffic signal timings to minimise delays as far as possible.

“I’d encourage commuters and visitors driving into the city on Monday or Tuesday to consider adjusting their usual routine if possible and to plan and prepare for busier roads.”

Those wanting to make cross city journeys should follow the ‘inner relief route diversion’ signs, while those wanting to get into the city should follow the ‘city centre diversion’ signs.

Where possible, altering journey times into the city centre to avoid the rush hours – between 7am-9.30am and 4pm-6.30pm – is also encouraged to spread demand.

There are a number of Park and Ride sites, catering for train and tram services, available across the region so people are encouraged to think about swapping their car for public transport. Services will be busier than normal across the two days and people should, again, consider travelling outside the peak periods.

Those with a short commute are being encouraged to consider walking or cycling.

Councillor Kate Chappell, Executive Member for Environment for Manchester City Council, said: “We’d like to thank the public for bearing with us during this challenging work.

“As the damage affected a major sewer there was no alternative but for United Utilities to carry out this complex large-scale repair deep underground otherwise large parts of East Manchester would have been left without a functioning sewage system.

“This two-day inspection closure, which was postponed while other work was going on, is the final push before the welcome full re-opening of the Mancunian Way.”

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com or call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays).