Udimore Road in Rye is now open to traffic again following the discovery of multiple gas leaks which led to its closure for almost two weeks. There are now three-way temporary traffic lights whilst the repairs continue. Meanwhile people living on Old Brickyard say their lives have been made a misery by motorists ignoring the diversion during the closure, and using the emergency access route past their homes.
There have been gas works on Udimore Road with traffic lights near Mason Road on and off for many months. The current repairs began at the start of September, with the road fully closed for the last two weeks and motorists facing a fifteen mile diversion via Broad Oak, Beckley and Peasmarsh. The closure was lifted on Wednesday, October 4.
The unmade road along Old Brickyard was open only for residents and the emergency services during the closure, however many motorists have been using it as a cut-through despite the signs. It’s led one of the residents, who didn’t want to be named, to describe the situation as “carnage” when she contacted Rye News: “We have been left without support to manage anti-social behaviour, car crashes, broken and damaged property as a result of the works. Despite the concerted effort of residents in contacting the relevant authorities multiple times, nothing is being done… school children, older residents and people using the public right of way are being put at increased risk due to speeding and irresponsible drivers.” There are reports of one resident hearing a loud bang and seeing a car drive off after crashing into a vehicle.
SGN, who are responsible for the work – and gas distribution in southern England – say motorists behaviour is not their fault. In an email seen by Rye News the company says; “We cannot control road users choosing to take an alternative route. SGN are not required to provide access only signs to any roads they have not closed….any illegal driving should be reported to the police.”.
Traffic lights to try and stop drivers using Old Brickyard were promised, but failed to appear. Meanwhile, on social media there have also been pictures of motorcyclists using the pavement on Udimore Road to avoid the diversion, together with complaints about the lack of repair work at the weekend.
There’s no clarity on when the work will be completed or whether the road will need to be closed again. A spokesman for SGN told Rye News “We’ve been carrying out urgent repairs to our gas network in Udimore Road, Rye since Sunday, September 24 following reports of a smell of gas. Due to the location and age of the gas main in the road, we have found a number of leaks which has meant this has been a more complex repair than first expected. For everyone’s safety around our work area, we’ve had to temporarily close the road until our repairs have been completed and road resurfacing work can take place. A signed diversion is in place for road users. We’re sorry for any inconvenience our work may be causing and we’re working to complete our repairs as quickly as we can.”
For updates on the road closure – and all the roadworks locally – click here.
Image Credits: James Stewart .
People are increasingly frustrated by road closures for works where no work seems to be happening (or cable broadband which will be obsolete in ten years), and the increased use of 3 and 4 way lights which are often unnecessary and create very long waiting times. I don’t condone what happened here, but the general frustration is huge, and the number of people going through red lights is testament to this. I’m sure in many cases old fashioned 2 way lights and signs of something actually happening would be welcome…..