Motorists in Shanklin potentially face another month of travel disruption due to overrunning works by Southern Water.
Since late last year, work has been taking place deep beneath the streets of Shanklin to build a brand new sewer in a bid to improve bathing water quality in the area. However, like a number of other recent Southern Water projects on the Isle of Wight, things are running behind schedule.
The major scheme was due to be completed this month but it has been confirmed today (Friday) that work will now be completed at the end of June – another 4 weeks away.
Arthurs Hill is to remain closed in both directions for the foreseeable future until such a time that it is safe to re-open the road.
A spokesperson for Southern Water has told Island Echo:
“Our work to improve the sewer network in Shanklin, Isle of Wight, is now in the final phases of construction, which supports our Bathing Water Enhancement Programme.
“These works are essential in helping us to reduce the risk of releases to the sea during heavy storm weather.
“Unfortunately, unknown and previously unmapped utility pipes and networks have been discovered along the way. This has delayed our work progress. We now hope to finish all work at the end of June and as soon as it is safe to do, roads closures will be lifted.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes to the community and appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this final phase of work.”
Do Southern Water ever survey properly before starting work?
It seems that every job they tackle ends up keeping the travelling public messed up and delayed for weeks longer than announced, due to what they call “unexpected issues” or similar.
Now, they are responsible for keeping a main artery through the resort towns closed well in to the tourist season. That is not something the Island’s guests should have to put up with, let alone us residents trying to go about our business.
After their last few jobs – Newport Rd, Cowes-Northwood, Morton Rd, Brading, Ashey Road, West St Ryde, Staplers Road,
we are entitled to better service from the company.
The unnecessary traffic delays and diversions caused by Southern Water will have cost the community hundreds of thousands of pounds.
A quick google search brings up plenty of Ground Penetrating Radar – well used by archeologists, also core sampling contractors. Do they actually use those methods.
Digging trial holes before starting work would help.
Will they try to justify their treatment of the public? On past experience, they won’t.
What a surprise every job they do overruns or its not done properly and they have to close the road again