Last week Rye News reported on the roadworks at the bottom of Udimore Road which included an observation that road works in this location seem to have been going on for some time.
It appears the problem is far from being resolved as the following statement, received by Rye News from East Sussex Highways confirms:
"I am writing with regards to the Southern Gas Network (SGN) works currently taking place on Udimore Road, Rye, to resolve a gas leak.
"We understand that this is a significant leak, which SGN are struggling to locate and subsequently repair. We have been in communication with SGN who have advised that, from Monday [September 25], it will be necessary to implement an emergency road closure, as it appears the leak is nearer to the centre of the carriageway and a road closure is the safest means to carry out the necessary investigations and repair.
"To ensure that the disruption is minimised as much as is practicable, the permit inspector for the area will monitor the site daily to ensure that works are being expedited so that the closure can be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity.
"I hope the above information is of use. If you require any further assistance on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me."
"Kind regards
Stakeholder Assurance Lead | East Sussex Highways"
James Stewart, a local Rye resident, Rye News reporter and producer of Ryecast writes:
"It’s 3am. I’m wide awake with jet lag and Udimore Road is totally quiet. I've not heard a car for at least an hour. It’s not as though it's like the M25 at night anyway, but there’s usually a car every now and again. Or a lorry. Tonight though there is complete silence. All because of the gas leak at the bottom of the hill which has closed the road into Rye.
"The daytime on Udimore Road is also less busy, without the usual shuffle of cars snaking their way around parked vehicles. Most people are sticking to the diversion to get into town, but for those that don’t it’s a three-point turn into someone’s drive. Or in the case of a huge Tesco artic yesterday, reversing slowly all the way up the hill before trying and failing several times to turn around at the Valley Park roundabout. Complete with bleeping and a number of cars following very slowly too.
"It's hugely inconvenient. Neighbours share stories about the massive diversion. Delivery drivers face a ten-mile trip via Northiam to get from Udimore Road to Tilling Green. A journey this morning to get a tyre fixed at Skinners on the Harbour Road will mean risking the back roads through Peasmarsh and Beckley Woods. Or Float Lane. Don’t even try Dumb Womans or Old Brickyard. It must be a nightmare living in the houses there...
"And now the night-time silence has been broken. Lights come on up the street at 4am as an enormous lorry slowly backs up the hill. The engine whining noisily as the driver negotiates Udimore Road in reverse. Did he not see the signs?"
Update: On Wednesday, September 27 East Sussex Highways confirmed that Udimore Road will remain closed until at least Tuesday, October 3.
