“A few diversions won’t stop your day out! Delamere Forest is open.”
Due to temporary road closures in the area, visitors to the forest may experience some disruption to their travel plans. But rest assured, Delamere Forest is open as usual for your daily forest fix.
United Utilities are carrying out essential works to modernise the Vyrnwy Aqueduct. These planned works will take a number of years to complete. For detailed information about the works please visit Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme The works are split into 3 sections which are anticipated to be complete, by 2028.
As frustrating as roadworks can be, United Utilities are doing all they can to keep things flowing and minimise disruption, but you can check back here for regular updates and diversion maps. Or visit the United Utilities dedicated page, for progress updates Vyrnwy live updates
Current road closures that may affect your journey:
Abbey Lane: Abbey Lane will have a temporary full road closure at the junction with Chester Road (A556) from 20 January 2026 to 17 July 2026. For a detailed map of the diversion in place, see here Abbey Lane road closure and diversion
Hatchmere crossroads junction: Monday 30 March 2026 to Tuesday 9 June 2026. Temporary full road closure at the crossroads of Blakemere Lane, Delamere Road, Ashton Road and School Lane. For a detailed map of the diversion in place, see here Overview for Hatchmere crossroads road closure
Norley Road: A section of Norley Road will be temporarily closed. These works should finish approximately March 2026 and access to the forest should not be affected.
We know how frustrating road works and closures can be, but the forest trails, café, activities, sights and sounds remain open as normal and there for you to enjoy throughout the works, and in most cases, only require a short temporary detour.
Thanks for bearing with us.
Questions you may have
United Utilities provides water to 7 million people across the North West through a network of pipes, aqueducts and reservoirs. Since 1892, the Vyrnwy Aqueduct, which runs from Lake Vyrnwy through to Merseyside, has helped deliver clean wholesome drinking water to communities across the North West. However, the pipeline now requires work and these are underway to modernise the service. The forest is still open as usual, but these extensive works will affect the nearby roads and access to the forest which is beyond our control. For more information, please visit Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme
Yes! Delamere Forest will remain open throughout the roadworks. We will help our customers navigate road closures and diversion to the forest by our dedicated webpage or you can find information from the United Utilities project page Vyrnwy live updates
Throughout the works United Utilities will need to close roads to ensure their works can be completed safely. These may range from simple give-way traffic management to temporary lane or road closures. During this time, Delamere Forest is open as usual, but diversions may be in place. We will help our customers as much as possible by keeping this dedicated web page up to date with maps showing road diversions. For more detailed information about the progress of the works and timings, please visit Vyrnwy live updates
This largely depends on the progress of the total United Utilities Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation project. The current timeline for this work sees the project complete in 2028. As this project is beyond our control, we recommend looking at the information about the work here Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme and should you have any further queries or concerns you can contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723 (please quote project number 80063071.02) or visit unitedutilities.com/vamp-live-updates for the latest information.
Advanced warning signs will be installed 10–14 days before the closure. Diversion routes will guide all traffic around the works and signage will be maintained throughout.
United Utilities will keep residents and businesses up to date through letters, emails, and leaflets, and by putting up diversion maps and signage. They are also holding several drop-in sessions where you can meet the project team, ask questions, view the diversion plans, and share any concerns in person. • NCK Centre, Norley Road, WA6 8NE o Tuesday 21 April 2026 | 2–4 pm • Delamere and Oakmere Community Centre, CW8 2HU o Tuesday 24 February 2026 | 2–4 pm o Tuesday 28 April 2026 | 5–7 pm • The Carriers Inn, WA6 6NL o Tuesday 17 March 2026 | 4–6 pm o Tuesday 5 May 2026 | 4–6 pm
United Utilities will continue to review feedback throughout the closure. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723 (please quote project number 80063071.02) or visit unitedutilities.com/vamp-live-updates for the latest information
Delamere Forest will remain open throughout the works. So membership will not be affected. You may experience disruption on your journey, but United Utilities are doing all they can to keep everything flowing and disruption minimal. You can find information on diversions and how to still reach Delamere Forest on this dedicated page.
The initial period of work by United Utilities and associated road closures at Hatchmere crossroads, are scheduled to finish on June 9th 2026, so attendance to Forest Live should not be affected.