Drivers can expect disruption ahead of work on the Appleby town centre flood risk management scheme, a town council meeting was told.
The Environment Agency is working in association with VolkerStevin, an engineering business, to deliver the Doomgate Culvert scheme, and has sent a letter out to businesses and residents informing them of what they should expect over the coming weeks in the Holme Street/Chapel Street area.
“We are working with various utility providers as there are a number of services which need to be redirected before our works commence,” said the letter from project manager Ross McKeown.
In terms of water supply, starting this week, United Utilities will need to finalise the connections on the recently diverted service in Holme Street.
A lane closure is required and there will be temporary traffic management in place. It is anticipated that these works will take about a week.
Following the completion of the United Utilities connections, Northern Gas Networks will complete the diversion of its service in this area. It is anticipated that this work will take about three to four weeks.
“The traffic management will remain in place for the entire duration of this work,” said Mr McKeown.
The letter added: “The utility diversions in Chapel Street are due to commence towards the end of March following the completion of the second phase of the Holme Street work and will take approximately three to four weeks.
“The work comprises of the diversions of a combined sewer and a water main to allow space to install the new chambers for the flood risk management scheme.
“Due to the location of these assets, an area of Chapel Street will need to be closed to vehicles. We will endeavour to maintain access to all businesses.
“Due to the traffic management required to undertake the works, several car parking spaces will be out of use for the duration of these works on both Holme Street and Chapel Street.
“To safeguard both the public and construction teams, it is necessary to have traffic management plans in place. To maintain traffic flow around Appleby, we will implement specific plans for different construction activities and minimise inconvenience where possible.”
Town clerk Sue Gilbertson said it was anticipated that the main programme of work would be able to start in May, but that would be subject to the temporary car park at Edenside being ready for use.
