Emergency work to repair multiple gas leaks along the main road in and out of Swanage in Dorset is continuing, as escaping gas is still being detected.
Gas distribution company SGN started its investigations on Friday 20th October 2023, with a four way temporary traffic light system initially causing long traffic delays along the High Street near The Swanage School.
The roadworks and traffic lights have been in place for nearly six weeks
Disruption set to continue
Six weeks later, the traffic queues have now reduced as drivers take the alternative route via Studland’s New Road, however for those who can’t avoid the route the disruption is set to continue.
SGN says that deeper excavations have now been approved, as gas is still being detected from old leaky cast iron pipes that are buried further down.
Once these pipes have been reached and fixed, it’s hoped the work will be completed.
Deeper excavations are taking place to find a pipe that is still leaking gas
“We’d like to sincerely thank Swanage residents and motorists”
Spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, Waseem Hanif said:
“We’re continuing emergency repairs to our gas main in High Street Swanage.
“Our teams have carried out multiple repairs which has allowed us to lift the lane closure in Jubilee Road.
“Unfortunately, our tests are still showing gas readings, so we need to carry out deep excavations to carry out further investigations. This means that our temporary lights will need to remain in place, although one light head can be removed from Washpond Lane. Three-way lights are therefore in place in High Street near its junctions with Jubilee Road, Days Road and Benlease Way.
“It’s still too early to say how long it’ll take to complete repairs however; we’d like to sincerely thank Swanage residents and motorists for your patience and understanding.”
The gas leaks at the bottom of Jubilee Road have now been fixed
The junction with Washpond Lane and the High Street are no longer part of the traffic light system
More roadworks in Harman’s Cross
There’s also more gas works being undertaken by SGN along Valley Road in Harman’s Cross near Swanage, with temporary traffic lights in place.
Currently there is permission to continue the roadworks until Monday 11th December 2023.
Further information
More about the roadworks is on the one network website
