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Road closures for Devizes water quality improvement project works start 4 September

Road closures will be in place in Devizes from Monday 4 September as Wessex Water undertake a two-year project to enhance the quality of water in the town.

Published 31 August 2023

Road closures will be in place in Devizes from Monday 4 September as Wessex Water undertake a two-year project to enhance the quality of water in the town.

The work will take place across four phases on roads including Market Place, Station Road, Castle Lane, Long Street, Sheep Street, Bridewell Street, and the A361.

The water improvement project looks to replace the ageing cast-iron water mains in the town which are degrading and, in some cases leaking, causing quality issues such as discoloured water and poor pressure. This work will enable an improved water quality and a more reliable supply for years to come

The first phase is focused on the town centre and will run for 27 weeks, from 4 September 2023 to 1 March 2024, starting in Sidmouth Street, then working through Sheep Street, Bridewell Street, Long Street and Morris Lane.

Road closures are a last resort and only used when no other forms of traffic management would be feasible. The roads will be closed in phases to lessen the disruption to road users and local businesses. A safe work area will be created to allow for the construction of a new water main, with roads being reopened as each section is finished.

Wessex Water and Wiltshire Council have agreed diversion routes for each road closure which will be suitable for traffic, cyclists and pedestrians. All diversion routes and traffic management will be clearly signposted.

For public transport users, information on changes to bus stop locations and timetables will be clearly identified with further information being provided by bus companies.

Access to local businesses and Devizes Central Car Park will be maintained at all times.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We've worked with Wessex Water to minimise the disruption while they undertake these essential works.

"However, due to the nature of these works, road closures will be unavoidable but roads will be reopened as each section is finished and diversion routes will be clearly signposted."

Wessex Water's Director of Construction and Infrastructure Maintenance, Eddie Rant, said: "We recognise that this is a major investment in improving the water supply throughout Devizes and we're working closely with customers, businesses and Wiltshire Council to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum as much as possible, including delaying the start of our work to accommodate the Devizes Carnival.

"Where possible during the scheme, we will be keeping roads open to through traffic and working with local people to ensure their access is unhindered but where we do need to shut routes, we will be completing the work quickly and safely and reopening them as we finish.''

Phase 1 of the works runs over the Christmas period, however, the aim is to have all roads involved open between 23 December and 3 January.

There will be water supply interruptions at points during the scheme, depending on the progress of the work. Wessex Water will advise all affected properties of any interruptions in advance.

If people have any questions they can call Wessex Water's customer services team on 0345 600 4 600 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, emergencies at other times).

There is information online including frequently asked questions and help from the web chat team at Wessex Water (wessexwater.co.uk) (opens new window).  

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