The company behind the nine week closure of Surfleet Road in Pinchbeck is looking for a ‘short extension’ for the works.
Burmor Construction say works on site have been affected by wet weather.
In a press release Lincolnshire County Council put out this lunchtime (Friday, February 13), the authority says it hasn’t permitted the application as yet.
The road has been closed since January 5 to allow Burmor to build a sewer to the 37 new homes its building off Surfleet Road.
It has caused widespread disruption in the village from businesses concerned over a lack of footfall to nearby roads having to also close due to drivers ignoring the signed diversions.
The release states: “In recent weeks, progress on site has been affected by persistent wet weather.
“These conditions have reduced the effectiveness of the dewatering system, which is essential for safely when installing the deep sewer infrastructure. As a result, excavation and installation works have taken longer than anticipated.
“Burmor has advised LCC that the works plan is currently under review and is in discussion regarding a short extension on the time needed to carry out the work.
“At this stage, no extension has been agreed, and LCC has requested a revised programme and additional supporting information, under its legal duties as the Highway Authority. Both LCC and Burmor recognise the impact the closure is having on the local community and are committed to ensuring disruption is kept to the minimum that is reasonably practicable.”
Burmor says it will be working on Sundays as well as Monday to Saturday in an attempt to catch up.
Works on site are being organised so that additional resources are deployed solely to the drainage works.
“Burmor is working closely with LCC to explore every available option to complete the road closure as planned, including assessing what elements of work could be completed under temporary traffic signals if appropriate and safe to do so,” the county council release states. “A further update will be provided as the additional information is reviewed and progress is continually being monitored.”
Luke Boekestyn, director at Burmor Construction said: “We’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding while we progress these essential works.
“Since starting on site, we’ve experienced exceptionally challenging conditions, including snow and ice during the first week, prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, and difficult ground conditions that have affected the performance of our dewatering system.
“This system is critical due to the depth of excavation required for the sewer installation. We continue to work closely with LCC and are taking every possible step to maintain productivity and keep the project moving forward. Our teams are committed to delivering these works safely and as efficiently as current conditions allow.”
The County Council has also urged drivers to stick to the sign posted diversions.
Ashley Behan, traffic manager at LCC added: “A number of residents have contacted us with concerns about driver behaviour around the closure, and I want to stress the importance that all road users follow the official diversion and drive responsibly.
“Using unsuitable local roads creates safety risks and also adds unnecessary pressure on the community.
“I understand the concerns raised about the damage to roadside verges during this period and we’re monitoring the condition of the verges and surrounding areas closely.
“At the end of the project, we will review this with Burmor Construction and consider what remedial actions can be taken to put things right. In the meantime, we will keep monitoring the site and associated areas carefully to minimise impact wherever possible.
“We appreciate the residents and road users’ patience while these works take place.”
