Emergency gas works closure of Old Milton Road roundabout, causing chaos for motorists in New Milton, set to lift
THE closure of a main route in New Milton for emergency gas works, causing traffic chaos, is due to be lifted at the end of tomorrow (Wednesday).
SGN shut the Old Milton Road roundabout last Monday afternoon for an urgent replacement of a gas main in the centre of the road.
As reported by the A&T, the disruption caused dismay among residents and businesses, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
The closure has blocked access to the roundabout from Gore Road, Old Milton Road and Whitefield Road.
At the time the closure was implemented, the gas distribution company said it was “too early to say how long the repairs will take”.
But online roadworks guide one.network gave a completion date of Monday 16th December before this was extended to tomorrow.
New Milton councillors shared concerns with the situation at a recent finance and general purposes committee meeting.
Acknowledging the works were an “emergency”, Cllr Steve Clarke slammed unclear signs which forced many motorists to turn round at the barriers.
Cllr Clarke also feared the works would run into Christmas, pointing out some businesses could lose about 30% of their annual turnover this month.
Amid concerns over the general state of the town’s gas infrastructure, it was agreed the council write to SGN, asking for an indication of predicted works needed over the next 18 months to two years.
When the A&T visited the site this afternoon (Tuesday), some of the holes the engineer had dug in the road surface had been filled in.
SGN spokesperson Bradley Barlow said yesterday (Monday): “We have located and fixed the gas leak in the area and reinstatement has been booked to start tomorrow, with the road reopening by the end of Wednesday 18th December.”
This comes as the B3058 Bashley Common Road, through nearby Bashley is due to shut from 6th January to 28th March, angering traders and residents.
SGN said a full closure was necessary for the safety of contractors and residents while an old metal main is replaced with new plastic pipes.
This will stretch between the cattle grid by the Rising Sun pub and the Ossemsley South Drive junction. It was called a “kick in the teeth” for traders.
Slamming the gas distributor’s recent ‘drop-in’ information session as an “insult”, local motorcycling legend Sammy Miller has threatened legal action.
The 91-year-old fears his world-renowned motorcycle museum on nearby Bashley Cross Road will also be impacted.
He proposed requesting an injunction to postpone the works to identify mitigation measures to reduce the closure period, including phased work or temporary access.
It also calls for contractor incentives or penalties, and “thorough and transparent” discussions with all affected parties to address concerns and minimise financial impact.
