Southern Water repairs on a burst sewer pipe under the A256 Sandwich Bypass have been completed.
The Bypass between the roundabout near Co Part to the Monks Way roundabout (Dover bound) has been closed since before Christmas.
Jean-Paul Collet, Southern Water Operational Manager East, Wastewater Collections, says a final survey to determine the condition of the road will be finished this week, meaning Kent Highways can then decide when to reopen the carriageway.
Mr Collet said: “Southern Water’s repair to a burst pipe under the A256 is now complete. Although we cannot reintroduce pressurised flow to test the repair due to the other burst on the same stretch of pipe under the River Stour near The Bulwark.
“We know that what people really want to know is when the A256 will be reopening – and we are delighted that the final survey looking at the integrity of the road is being completed by Southern Water this week. From these surveys the council can decide when the closure can be removed.
“In the meantime work to repair the burst under the river continues. We are making good progress with plans to drill under the riverbed and lay completely new pipe. Due to the location within a Scheduled Monument we cannot start major digging until we have all the permissions we need. We are working closely with Historic England to get started as soon as possible. Preliminary work is underway.
“We apologise again to residents for the continued requirement for tankers and wish to assure them that we are doing working hard to end the need. Right now they are unfortunately the only way to maintain wastewater services and protect the environment. In the meantime we’ll continue to use the lowest number we can and ensure they stick to the enforced 20mph speed limit.
“We are also exploring a temporary solution which may mean we can stop the tankers even sooner; we will keep everyone updated on this.”
More details can be found at www.southernwater.co.uk/a256-sewer-repairs
Diversion – Take the exit to Ramsgate Road and follow round on to Monks Way up to the roundabout.
