The A431 Kelston Road between Bath and Bristol has been closed for further investigation works after the land underneath the carriageway suffered more serious subsidence.
This is due to the intense run-off of water from adjacent land which runs underneath the ground. Because of the extensive amount of water over recent weeks, this has destabilised the ground underneath the highway.
The Council had carried out emergency works last week by injecting grout underneath the road to stabilise the structure.
Although this was successful, there has since been further subsidence underground. To prevent even greater subsidence from traffic movements and in order to conduct further ground radar investigations the Council have closed the road.
The duration of the closure will be known later this week.
The Council say this is not a decision they have taken lightly. A spokesman said: “We understand the impact on people’s journeys. Public safety is absolutely paramount. Where possible, we urge people to avoid the area.”
Diversions are now in place. Inbound to Bath via A431 to Willsbridge, A4175 towards the Hicks Gate roundabout, A4 Keynsham bypass, towards the Globe roundabout, A36 Lower Bristol Road, across Windsor Bridge Road, rejoin A431 at Newbridge Hill. Outbound vice versa.
3 Comments
David Newton
Tuesday 18th February, 2014 at 11:33I originally notified BNES council about the subsidence on 6th February… As a regular user to get to Longwell green to see my parents…I had noticed that the road had started to subside over the last 2 months… When I called the council, I was surprised that no one had even called about the subsidence…when I went along yesterday.. Monday 17th February … The road was distinctly worse despite the works…With the situation with the midford road & now a431 closure… Traffic already is getting worse with 2 major routes closed…
NOW Bath
Monday 17th February, 2014 at 15:06It was closed early this afternoon by Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Denise Ashworth
Monday 17th February, 2014 at 14:48i just drove along there a couple of hours ago, what time did they close it? there was no sign of anyone even checking the road and definately no signs there at 1300