Contractors for Highways England are due to start work on Monday to construct a wall in front of an existing dry stone wall, which has significant structural problems and has been regularly monitored to allow the A628 to remain open.

Sensors have indicated some movement within the wall and therefore it has been decided to put the temporary traffic lights out earlier for the safety of drivers. The lights will be in place along Woodhead Road for around 100 metres allowing one lane to be closed as a precautionary measure until the structural repairs have been carried out.

Highways England project manager Stephen Wales said:

The old wall has been in place for many years and is in need of urgent repairs. That’s why we need to build a new wall in front of it and fill in the gap with concrete to give it extra stability.

We realise the A628 is already heavily congested, but it is essential that this work is carried out as quickly as possible. The temporary traffic lights, which will be staffed at all times, will be in place for the first 3 months of the work to ensure our contractors can carry it out safely. As soon as it is safe to do so, the traffic lights will be removed.

Once the new retaining wall has been built, it will be clad with stone so it is in keeping with the local area.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.