A road remains closed for emergency repair works in Theale.
Thames Water has been carrying out emergency repairs along The Green since Tuesday (January 14), just past the roundabout entering the village.
The emergency works are expected to be completed by January 20
The water company had already started to add a new sewer connection when it discovered that groundwater had washed subsoil into the manhole it was working on, causing a ‘void’ underneath the road.
It said it aimed to complete the works “within a week or less” in a letter sent to residents, adding it aimed to keep disruption to a minimum.
But this came too late for some, with school runs being impacted and buses forced to u-turn and divert via Englefield Road in both directions.
The manhole which groundwater washed subsoil into, causing a ‘void’ underneath the road. Credit: Suzie Ferguson
The Jet Black 1 service is still unable to serve the following stops: Wigmore Lane East, The Green, Theale Green School and Theale Primary School. Its school routes will now set down and pick up from the Theale Green bus stop in Church Street until the works are complete.
And when will that be exactly?
Newburytoday understands the works are due to be completed by January 20 — just before 10 weeks of gas works begin in Theale High Street.
Thames Water further confirmed it is overpumping to manage the flows from its foul water sewer, and reassured residents their drinking water and wastewater services will not be affected, with toilets able to be flushed as normal.
Have you been affected by the emergency works? Let us know at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
And visit https://one.network/?GB141619463 to see the diversion route if travelling in this area. Blue light access will be maintained wherever possible.