Bargates in Christchurch town centre to close for three months

Bargates will be shut off to through traffic to allow Wessex Water engineers to carry out "substantial work" to repair a collapsed sewer.

The utility firm said the sewer in question is more than five metres below ground.

Wessex Water carried out urgent work on the site in November, however, a permanent fix was put on hold until the new year.

It has now been confirmed the road will be closed in both directions between Stour Road and Fountain Way from Tuesday, January 25, 2022. The repairs are due to be completed by Friday, April 22, 2022.

The full closure is required due to the location and depth of the sewer, Wessex Water said.

Christchurch Town ward councillor Mike Cox said: "It will be a complete disaster for the local businesses in the area.

"It is going to be a nightmare for residents and for traders.

Cllr Mike Cox

"It has come as a bolt from the blue around Christmas. They could consider doing one half of the road then the other but presumably that would cost more.

"I think there needs to be some sort of compensation for the businesses and that is what I will be saying when I write to them (Wessex Water).

Following the work in November, Wessex Water installed temporary overland pipes to avoid any interruption to sewage services and a lengthy road closure over the festive period.

This pipework remains in place and is being checked daily ahead of the work next month.The overground piping in Bargates

A diversion route will be signposted while the repairs are carried out.

A spokesperson for the company told the Daily Echo: "We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by the road closure, which is necessary so we can complete repairs to the collapsed sewer.

“This work will take longer than we’d normally expect, due to the sheer depth of the sewer below ground. There needs to be a large working area around the sewer which is why we have to close the road.

“We have informed local people about the emergency repair work, which we’ll aim to complete as quickly as possible.”

In the letter sent to residents about the work, Wessex Water said: "Access will be maintained for residents but it may be restricted.

"Alternative routes will be clearly signposted and access will be provided for emergency vehicles."

As reported, the A35, which motorists use to get from Christchurch to Lyndhurst is closed for three months from January 4 as part of the multi-million-pound bridge replacement works at Holmsley.

Meanwhile, at the same time, National Highways is ramping up its work to widen the A31 at Ringwood.

The westbound entry slip onto the dual carriageway will be closed from January 5, 2022, to November 30, 2022, with a contraflow across both east and westbound directions from January 26, 2022, to November 30, 2022.

UPDATE: On December 30, Wessex Water said the road would be closed in both directions. However, on December 31 the company confirmed it would only be shut one way, with traffic unable to travel into the town centre from Fairmile.