A major £1.8m Wessex Water project to protect homes in Highbridge from sewer flooding has been put on hold due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Partly funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Somerset County Council, the project started in February in a bid to reduce the risk of flooding in and around Highbridge’s Field Way, as reported here.
Wessex Water has said the project would require the Worston Lane footpath/cycle path to be closed for six months, along with a section of Pepperall Road – but it will now be longer.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com this week, spokesman Peter Orchard said: “This project has been paused and the construction site has been secured, with current social distancing guidelines and a lack of suppliers limiting the amount of work we’re able to carry out.”
“We’re also concerned about working in a residential area and potentially causing disturbance during the current lockdown.”
He adds: “After discussions with Somerset County Council, it has been agreed to leave the secured site in situ, with the road and lane closures and cabins in place.”
The paused project is at this stage:
- A section of Pepperall roundabout is closed and four-way lights and diversions kept in place and maintained during the stand-down period.
- Access to The King Alfred School fields from the pedestrian footpath is closed.
- Worston Lane footpath/cycle path is also closed to the public and fenced off.
- Access to the clinic and pharmacy will remain open from Pepperall Road.
- Security will be maintained on site.
- Traffic management will be regularly maintained.
Peter added: “We’re following the very latest Covid-19 advice issued by the government, who have officially designated water and sewerage personnel as key workers who provide an essential service.”
“We’re closely monitoring developments and will update residents as soon as we’re able to confirm changes to the scheduling of this project.”
