Stowmarket braces for more roadworks as Anglian Water announce two week closure at major roundabout

The Onehouse Road junction with Finborough Road has two diversions running through it, but motorists may not know which way to go. Picture: NIGEL ELLIS (Image: Archant)

The installation of a new 2km sewer along Bury Road, Gipping Way, Navigation Approach and Tomo Road started in September 2016 and should have completed before the end of the year.

• Temporary traffic lights at Bury Street/Gipping Way/Bury Road roundabout

• Crown Street completely closed

• Two weeks of roadworks start on June 19

• UK Power Networks set to work alongside Anglian Water to minimise disruption

The £1.1million project involved severe disruption for motorists, with a range of closures and temporary traffic lights put in place right through the centre of the town.

However, after completion it became apparent the sewer was not working, with Anglian Water regularly digging up the road surface to carry out tests.

An Anglian Water spokeswoman said: “We’re sorry for the delays and disruption caused by our works in Stowmarket. It is very unusual for Anglian Water projects to run over this length of time.”

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On June 19, another two weeks of temporary traffic lights will be put in place at the Bury Road/Gipping Way roundabout. Crown Street will be closed, while Bury Road, Bury Street and Gipping Way will be controlled by lights.

Anglian Water’s spokeswoman added: “We are currently testing the new sewer and have found some seals on the new pipework are not to the high standard we would expect. This has meant testing has taken longer than expected and we are very sorry for this.

“Next week we will be working on the final stage of testing on Crown Street. The road will be closed for two weeks whilst Anglian Water engineers are working in the area.

“To minimise the disruption UK Power Networks will also be working on Crown Street whilst the road is closed...we are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

“Over three quarters of the sewer has been tested and we are working to test and repair a defective seal on the final stage of the pipe. Once the pipe the seal is replaced the pipe will be retested.”

The spokeswoman said the sewer should be complete by the end of the month.

Deputy Mayor Linda Baxter said: “I really feel for residents but if it has to be done, it has to be done. Fingers crossed this will be it.”

Stowmarket has been subjected to a series of roadworks across the town in recent months.