Caused by a collapsed 15cm diameter sewer pipe that runs along the high street
Motorists and bus passengers will need to allow extra time for their journeys through Putney for the next month with Thames Water scheduled to begin emergency sewer repairs in the high street on Tuesday.
The emergency works are due to last up to four weeks and are being carried out to prevent flooding in nearby properties.
The problem has been caused by a collapsed 15cm diameter sewer pipe that runs along the high street near the junction with the Lower Richmond Road.
Without the repair there is a chance that nearby homes and business could be flooded by sewage.
The council has been pressing Thames Water to fix the problem without delay and to carry out the repair as quickly as possible.
The water company says the repair has been made more complicated because of a tangle of other pipes and cables on top of the broken sewer.
Thames Water’s Gordon Hailwood said:
“We owe it to the affected homes and businesses to get this fixed as quickly as possible. The sewer is buried up to six metres below the ground and we’ll need to dig down by hand to avoid disturbing the other utilities’ assets that run over the top.
He contiunued:
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience and disruption this may cause, but this is a must-do job and we are committed to making sure our sewer network is repaired and fit for purpose.”
In order to carry out the repair Thames water’s contractors will need to close one traffic lane in Putney High Street between Weimar Street and the Lower Richmond Road.
Changes to the road layout to accommodate the works will mean that northbound traffic will be able to use two lanes, while traffic heading south will be restricted to one lane.
The southbound bus lane that runs between the bridge and Putney Bridge Road will be suspended and motorists heading south will be able to use it.
Bus stops outside the cinema will be also be suspended with passengers being advised to use alternative ones further along the high street or in Putney Bridge Road.
The contractors carrying out the repair will be permitted to work from 7am to 11pm to get the job finished as quickly as possible, but they will not be allowed to undertake any noisy works before 8am.
Electronic warning signs alerting motorists to the possibility of hold ups in the area have been placed at strategic points across the borough.
Residents who want more information can call Thames Water at any time on 0845 9200 800 quoting the unique job reference BB967325.
August 5, 2013