Sewer work clogs up traffic on key road into Stratford
SEWER work on the Warwick Road, Stratford, is now into its third week and the traffic queues just get longer.
Angry motorists caught up in the regular mile long traffic jams heading into Stratford have this week claimed the project – scheduled to run until 9th November – is taking a long time because there doesn’t appear to be much work being carried out by Severn Trent which is currently installing a new surface water sewer on the A439, Warwick Road.
The water company is confident the work will be finished on time and has pledged to let residents and businesses know if there’s any revision to this date but that might not be enough to placate residents like Stephen Heath who’s voiced his frustration about the project following contact with Warwickshire County Council (WCC) highways and Severn Trent.
Mr Heath said: “On Sunday road users heading into Stratford from Warwick/M40 were caught in yet another queue which extended back over a mile - a distance recorded on satnav whilst on a bike ride.
I am sure that many would like to ask why, being major works, wasn’t anyone onsite? WCC gave the permit to work to Severn Trent but who is working?
This isn’t the only disruption on our surrounding roads and the negative impact on the local economy must be staggering if not destructive and I’d like to know who, if anyone has considered this during a supposed net zero crisis aside to the traumas put on tourists new to the area and local residents who have no alternative during rush hour?”
He is also angry about the absence of any signage for drivers stuck in queuing traffic advising what the hold-up is until they reach the front of the queue and who to contact if they have a complaint.
Mr Heath has had an acknowledgement from the county council’s customer relations team that his complaint had been received and forwarded to the relevant team.
He believes the long traffic delays could raise concerns over public health.
“The county council and the assigned utility companies are responsible for keeping elderly people and young children in their cars unnecessarily for extended periods of time with no access to a toilet. This needs sorting out as this situation is being repeated time and time again,” Mr Heath said.
Ian Woodward, Severn Trent project manager, said: “Work is progressing well on our £440,000 project to install new surface water pipes on the A439 Warwick Road. This essential project will help to alleviate flooding in Stratford-upon-Avon, by diverting water that runs from the grounds of the local hotel and golf course.
“As work is making good progress, we are on track for everything to be completed by early November, as long as everything goes to plan. We understand that roadworks are frustrating, and want to thank everyone for their patience while we are making this important upgrade to our network.”
