Work to make Chester Racecourse safer on race days has caused major congestion in the city centre this week.

Previously we reported on a number of road closures being put in place on roads near the racecourse, for the installation of sockets for anti-terrorism bollards on roads around the venue.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is overseeing the roadworks, explained before works took place: "There is no intelligence to suggest that there is a specific threat posed to the Racecourse. However, the vehicle security bollards will prevent a hostile vehicle or accidental vehicle from entering the crowded pedestrian areas."

Chester and District Standard: A section of Lower Watergate Street is closed.A section of Lower Watergate Street is closed. (Image: Newsquest)

But while there was some disruption caused by the temporary closure of Nuns Road earlier this month, motorists encountered long rush-hour delays when Lower Watergate Street and a section of New Crane Street closed from Wednesday, April 24 - two days later than originally scheduled.

While Nuns Road has now partially reopened, with a temporary traffic light system and lane closure in place, there is no through access to New Crane Street. Similarly, there is no access from Nicholas Street to New Crane Street as both Lower Watergate Street and New Crane Street are blocked off.

Chester and District Standard: Nuns Road has partially reopened.Nuns Road has partially reopened. (Image: Newsquest)

That has resulted in traffic heading over Grosvenor Bridge to head via the Fountains Roundabout to access Sealand Road, and vice versa, causing major bottlenecks.

The latest update on the Cheshire West roadworks page says the road closures will remain in place until Friday, May 3.

There will be further road closures along that stretch the following week when Chester Racecourse begins its 2024 racing season on May 8-10.

However, the new bollard system in place is designed to be implemented and removed more efficiently than previous years, which should lead to less disruption on race days.

The council added: "The end result will mean smoother traffic in the city during race events."

Work on Nicholas Street Mews and Stanley Street is to be completed on April 26, with Nuns Road expected to reopen fully on April 29.