The A417 Over Causeway on the edge of Gloucester remains closed with no confirmed date or time for reopening following a major water leak that led to outbound closure on Saturday, April 5. Severn Trent, the water company, has been working tirelessly to address the issue, but the repairs are estimated to take an additional day.
The closure has caused widespread gridlock, with motorists experiencing substantial delays and inconvenience. In its latest update on Tuesday morning, Severn Trent apologized for the ongoing disruption and assured the public that work to repair the road surface has progressed well. The company expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and understanding during this challenging time.
In response to inquiries, Severn Trent emphasized the complexity of the repair work and the extensive damage that needs to be addressed, indicating that the efforts to restore normalcy and reopen the road as soon as possible are ongoing. The company also acknowledged the significance of the route through Gloucester and reaffirmed its commitment to expediting the resolution.
Severn Trent conveyed its sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused by the closure and expressed appreciation for the public’s understanding. The company explained that the closure was necessitated by a burst water main under the carriageway, which resulted in significant damage and posed risks to both the road and water supplies.
The initial report of a minor leak prompted swift assessment and repair planning, but the situation escalated, leading to the prioritization of a team to address the worsening leak and prevent potential water supply issues. Although the burst was successfully fixed, the extensive damage to the road surface rendered it unsafe for traffic and workers, necessitating the full road closure.
The company clarified that the burst had caused substantial damage, requiring a broader section of the carriageway to be replaced. While Severn Trent acknowledged the challenges posed by the emergency closure and the associated lack of prior notice to road users, it is actively addressing feedback regarding signage and communication around road works to enhance clarity and effectiveness.
Severn Trent underscored that burst pipes can occur due to various factors, including weather conditions, aging infrastructure, and pressure on road surfaces. The company emphasized its commitment to investing in the region’s infrastructure to enhance water supply resilience and adapt to future challenges.
In line with this commitment, Severn Trent plans to allocate £63 million for the replacement and upgrade of 155 miles of water mains in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire over the next five years, ensuring a more robust water network capable of addressing population growth and climate change challenges.