BRFM Geotechnical Surveys Continue on A249 near Sittingbourne
Written by karen on 25 January 2016
Update 25th Jan 2016 – Highways England continues to analyse results of specialist geotechnical surveys under the northbound A249.
Highways England are continuing to analyse the results of specialist geotechnical surveys to determine the extent of the damage under the northbound A249.
It follows a burst water main that Southern Water worked to repair last week.
Highways England and its contractors are working hard to establish what damage has been caused, and not just the obvious damage visible by the hole, and plan the repair work. The northbound carriageway remains closed between the A2 and the Bobbing junction and is likely to remain closed until at least the end January. The southbound A249 remains open.
A team of specialist engineers are analysing the results of the surveys already carried out to understand the extent of damage cause by the water pipe, which is located around 15 metres under the carriageway. Further surveys will be carried out on Tuesday (26 January) to detect any further changes. The detailed reports from both surveys are not expected back until Friday 29 January.
The northbound A249 will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so once repairs to the damage underneath the carriageway have been completed. It is currently unsafe to reopen the outside lane as surveys have not confirmed the stability of the ground underneath it.
A clearly signed diversion is in place via the Sheppey Way, following the hollow diamond symbol. Road users in the area are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000 for more information.
Information supplied by Highways England, part of Road Network & Traffic – 25th January 2016
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england
