Motorists faced gridlock this week as part of a £25m council highways scheme.

Thousands of drivers were left stuck in severe traffic jams through Handforth because of resurfacing work to the A34 bypass.

Tailbacks of up to two miles hit commuters as traffic was diverted down Wilmslow Road and Manchester Road.

Further disruption is due next week when the work is due to finish, with diversions again in place.

Traffic problems began on Sunday when a stretch of the A34 was closed completely southbound for resurfacing work. One lane reopened on Monday, but the other remained shut until Wednesday.

Residents and workers in the area were left furious by the disruption, with drivers claiming their journeys were taking up to 10 times as long as normal.

Tina Hankinson, a sales assistant at Wilmslow Garden Centre on Manchester Road, said: “On Monday morning I travelled for 45 minutes on a journey that would normally take me five.

“There are no signs up telling you what is going on. I know they need to do work but to leave it so backed up is crazy.”

Ian Pettener, 74, lives on Clay Lane, just seconds from the congestion. He said: “I don’t see why they didn’t do it at night.

“I’ve had to go to Wilmslow up the motorway and through Bramhall. It’s been backed up all the way from the bypass, which is at least two miles. It’s scandalous.”

Further lane closures are set to cause more delays next Tuesday and Wednesday when road markings are due to be completed – with the same diversions in place.

Coun Barry Burkhill, who represents Handforth, said: “I will be asking that the work can be done at more convenient times for the public.

“People should have being made aware. I got caught up in it and the traffic was awful.

“It would be a good idea to do the work at night but it comes down to cost.”

Alex Fraser, 28, a manager at Majestic Wines on Manchester Road, said: “On Monday they closed the A34 completely and now it's down to one lane.

“It’s not been good for business as no one can get here and they are turning back.

“I don’t think there’s been any sort of notice to let people know apart from a little sign near Tesco.”

Pam Jones, from Hurlbote Close, said: “I got stuck in it coming home from my mums. It took me 20 minutes to get just around the corner.”

Resident Dave Cash, who lives in south Wilmslow, complained at Monday’s Wilmslow Town Council meeting that drivers had been left confused about when the works would take place.

But Coun Rod Menlove, who represents Wilmslow East, told the meeting that changes had to be made because of the weather and that information boards had therefore changed.

He said: “It’s good to see roadworks as this means we’re spending money on the roads.

“Regarding the A34, the huge amount of work we have sometimes means we have to juggle things. It’s in fact a case of people doing their jobs extremely well.”

A council spokesman said: “These are essential works which are being done now, during the school holidays, to keep any disruption to a minimum. We also did work at the weekend to reduce the impact.

“These works are part of the £25m highway investment programme to improve Cheshire East’s roads over the next two years.

“We apologise for any delay caused to people’s journeys and thank you now and in advance for your patience and understanding during this period.”