Drivers are facing delays and disruption in Canterbury today (January 14) due to an ongoing emergency road closure along a key route. The A257 St Martin’s Hill has been shut outside of Chaucer House Care Home.
South East Water is carrying out works to repair a burst water main which has disrupted supplies to households in the St Martin’s area since Saturday, January 11.
In the days that have followed, teams have continued to work to identify the source of the leak and South East Water has apologised for the disruption customers are facing.
Currently the road closure is due to remain in effect until 7pm on Wednesday, January 15. In their latest update posted this morning (January 14), South East Water stated: “Progress continues today to resolve the issue in the St Martin’s Hill area of Canterbury.
“We’re really sorry for the disruptions to our customer’s supplies, and the inconvenience caused to the community, and we would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding. We will continue to update you until this incident is resolved.”
Drivers will need to follow a diversion while the road remains shut. The recommended alternative route is via: A257 St Martin’s Hill, Longport, Lower Chantry Lane, A2050 New Dover Road, Dover Road, Dover Road Slip East On, A2 Dover Road, Barham Slip Eastbound Off, B2046 Box Iron Road, Adisham Road, High Street, A257 Canterbury Road, Wingham Road, The Hill, Littlebourne Road and vice versa.
South East Water teams have been delivering bottled water to households without supplies and care homes have also been supported.
It is not yet known when the repairs are expected to be completed and a spokesperson for South East Water added: “Please be assured that we are working as quickly as possible to get your supply back up and running as soon as we can.”