Burnham-On-Sea’s Berrow Road re-opened on Sunday (February 15th) after a six-day closure.
The road was shut while Wessex Water carried out sewer repairs, causing disruption to residents and motorists who were diverted around a nine mile alternative route to get between Berrow and Burnham.
The water firm brought in extra staff to finish the job by Sunday lunchtime, two days earlier than expected, in an effort to minimise the disruption.
Burnham Police were called several times to the roadworks on Saturday, pictured right, when motorists ignored the road closure signs and illegally moved barriers to try and pass through the roadworks. Several coaches passed through on Friday evening
The closure was criticised by local residents, businesses and motorists, with Berrow Parish Council and Burnham Chamber of Trade also airing its concerns about the timing of the work over the half-term school holiday period.
The Texaco petrol station in Berrow Road saw a 66% drop in trade due to the roadworks, prompting a call for compensation. And a Burnham fire engine responding to an incident was turned back due to the roadworks last Thursday.
Meanwhile, work to build a new pedestrian crossing in the same area of Berrow Road is scheduled to begin on 23rd February – although fortunately that won’t require a road closure.
