Drivers will continue to find it difficult to get in and out of Swanage via the High Street while emergency work takes place to fix a gas main.
The unscheduled work by gas distribution company SGN started on Friday 20th October 2023 with temporary traffic lights installed over the weekend between the High Street Harlees fish and chip shop and The Swanage School, leading to many vehicles stuck in a jam for up to half an hour.
The repairs to the gas main in the High Street, one of only two roads out of Swanage, are expected to take a while
“Complex engineering job with multiple repairs”
SGN is calling the work, “A complex engineering job with multiple repairs required”, and says it’s too early to say how long the repairs will take to complete.
Dorset Council highways department has currently granted a permit to SGN to undertake the road works along this stretch of the High Street until Friday 3rd November 2023, however this may be extended if the work isn’t finished by then.
Jubilee Road near to the junction with the High Street is closed and the work permit has currently been granted until Monday 6th November 2023.
The temporary 4 way lights are between the bus stop outside The Swanage School…
…and Harlees Fish and Chips at the junction with Jubilee Road
“Our engineers are working as quickly and safely as possible”
Spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, Waseem Hanif said:
“We’re carrying out urgent emergency repairs to our gas main in High Street Swanage.
“For everyone’s safety, 4 way temporary traffic lights are in place in High Street near its junctions with Jubilee Road, Days Road, Washpond Lane and Benlease Way.
“Jubilee Road is also closed at its junction with High Street for motorists turning into High Street. A local signed diversion is in place for the affected motorists.
“This is a complex engineering job with multiple repairs required to our gas main. Our engineers are working as quickly and safely as possible, however it’s too early to say at this stage how long repairs will take to complete.”
There’s no quick popping into town by car for those living in West Swanage
The number 40 Purbeck Breezer can’t stop to let passengers off at the bus stop outside The Swanage School
Long delays at peak times
Drivers are being advised to consider going via Ulwell Road to the north of the town, to get in and out of Swanage during peak times.
For those living in West Swanage who need to get in and out of town, the temporary traffic lights mean they are facing long delays at peak times to travel the short distance back and forth to their homes.
The delays are also affecting the 40 bus with the nearby bus stops unable to be used while the work continues. Bus company Morebus said:
“The Swanage School and Herston Cross stops have been blocked by SGN gas works that we have no knowledge of. Unfortunately this means that buses cannot stop there.”
It is not known whether the bus stop issue will be resolved by the time The Swanage School and St Mark’s CofE Primary School start back after the half term break on Monday 30th October 2023.
The work is expected to disrupt many students’ journey to school, especially with one of the pelican crossings out of action.
Other roads affected by the 4 way traffic lights include Washpond Lane…
…and Benlease Way
