Lane closure on Bargates in Christchurch to last three months

A BUSY road through Christchurch town centre will partially close for three months during work to repair a collapsed sewer.

From Tuesday 25th January, a lane on Bargates between Stour Road and Fountain Way will be shut off by Wessex Water. It is expected to reopen on 22nd April.

A diversion will be in place via Stour and Barrack roads, with a banksman in place between 7am and 7pm to offer guidance to road users.

Access will be maintained for business customers and deliveries on the road as well as residents.

Although drivers will not be able to exit onto the Fountain Roundabout from Bargates, they can access Bargates from that roundabout via the other lane.

Wessex Water carried out an emergency repair on the collapsed sewer last year, laying temporary pipework to ensure services were maintained for residents and businesses.

A spokesperson said: “We know there has been concern around the scope of this work from both businesses and residents, and we want to reassure them that while this is a significant repair, every effort has been made to minimise the impacts on them.

“Local people and businesses have been informed about the work that needs to be carried out and they, their customers and deliveries will still have access throughout.

“Bargates can still be accessed from the Fountain roundabout heading away from the town centre, with a diversion in place from the junction of Stour Road in the north for the one-lane closure.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by the road closure but it is necessary to ensure this work can be carried out safely."