Traffic Diversions Due To Major Gasworks at West Hill
Guide to local road closures and LIVE traffic updates
Engineers working for Southern Gas Networks have started work on replacing a major gas main on the south circular between East Putney tube station, and the junction of the Upper Richmond Road and West Hill.
The works are scheduled to last some 16 weeks and are not due to finish until the first week in September. Putney and Wandsworth town centres are both likely to experience heavy traffic congestion throughout.
The Upper Richmond Road has become 'one way only' between the tube station and West Hill for vehicles heading east.
Drivers travelling westbound are being diverted via West Hill, Tibbets Corner and Putney Hill.
Residents living in Keswick Road and Oakhill Road are also being advised that their streets will be shut off at the junction with the Upper Richmond Road at various times throughout the project.
Keswick Road will be closed at its junction with the south circular for approximately three or four weeks at the beginning of the works - and once it reopens Oakhill Road will close for a similar length of time.
Bus routes 37 and 337 will also be subject to diversions. Route 37 will be diverted via West Hill, Tibbet's Corner and Tibbet's Ride before terminating at Putney Heath. Route 337 will be diverted via West Hill, Tibbet's Corner and Putney Hill before rejoining the existing route on Upper Richmond Road.
Newly elected Wandsworth Council Leader Ravi Govindia says: “These works will undoubtedly create a great deal of traffic chaos across substantial parts of the borough.
“It is absolutely vital that the gas company puts sufficient resources into completing the job as quickly as possible so that traffic in the borough can get moving again as quickly as possible.
“Because the south circular is a red route, the traffic arrangements are being managed by Transport for London, However we will be keeping a very close eye on progress and if we feel that the engineers are not working quickly enough, or that the company is not putting the proper resources in to get the job done quickly, or that there are any unnecessary delays, then we will insist on immediate action to get things back on track.”
The gas company to carry out their works seven days a week, but to ensure that residents do not suffer undue noise disturbance, there will be restrictions on these works.
· Monday to Friday - 8am to 10pm (no noisy works to take place after 6pm).
· Saturday - 8am to 4pm (no noisy works after 1pm).
· Sunday - 9am to 1pm (no noisy works at all on these days).
Full access to businesses on Upper Richmond Road for customers and deliveries is expected to be maintained.
Small business owners whose trade is affected may be able to claim compensation for any loss of earnings they suffer while works are taking place.
Residents or businesses with questions about the progress of the works or who are experiencing problems should contact SGN's contractors Morrison Utility Services or Southern Gas Networks in the first instance. Their numbers are 0844 375 9555 and 0845 070 1431 respectively.
As these works are taking place on a Transport for London road, TfL will be best placed to answer any further questions. They can be contacted on 0845 305 1234.
The council's highways team can be contacted on (020) 8871 7897.
May 17, 2011
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