UPDATED: Police have closed Newport High Street this morning (Wednesday) due to a large amount of water lifting the road surface.
A water main has burst close to the Guildhall, sending water gushing down the carriageway. Several holes in the road have appeared.
One appliance from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is in attendance at the scene.
Motorists are advised of anticipated delays in and around Newport throughout the day as a result of the closure.
This latest incident comes just hours after Puckpool Hill in Ryde was closed for an identical issue.
UPDATE @ 11:10 – Southern Water say contractors have excavated a 6-inch water main and repairs are underway. It is anticipated that work will be completed today.
Southern Water have said in a statement:
“We would like to thank residents for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“A number of properties experienced a brief loss of supply/ low water pressure at around 6am this morning but supplies were fully restored by 7am”.
UPDATE @ 14:30 – Due to the size of the road reinstatement, the High Street is expected to remain closed until tomorrow evening.
Southern Water have said:
“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and will continue to provide updates as soon as they are available”.
UPDATE THURSDAY – Disruption is to continue until Monday due to additional works that are required to be undertaken.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Southern Water have said:
“Our repairs to the burst main have concluded.
“However, following a discussion with Island Roads, we have been asked to replace a larger section of road than we originally thought. As such, it is likely going to take a few days to repair.
“We have begun repairs to the road and made additional plans to try and provide a temporary ramp access to cars over the weekend, to help ease congestion.
“We will then need to temporarily close the road again to relay the Tarmac. Our work is likely to conclude on Monday 27 June.
“Thank you for your patience.”
