Woodbridge Road Closure Update

Please see below for an update from Highways for progress to date on Woodbridge Road, Tunstall.

Following the commencement of drainage works, additional investigations were required due to discrepancies between utility records and the services encountered on site. To ensure the new drainage system could be installed safely and effectively, further excavations were undertaken to accurately locate and confirm the position of existing utilities.

Once these services had been identified, a site meeting was held involving the Project Designer, Construction Area Manager, Head of Contract and Commissioning, Parish Councillors and the site team. This provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges encountered, explain the proposed solutions, and address concerns relating to the wider scheme.

The meeting was constructive and positive, with several matters successfully discussed, including traffic management arrangements, signage locations, and the revised HGV diversion route through Sudbourne. We are grateful for the engagement and feedback provided by all parties.

Following the meeting, the designer completed further calculations and modelling to determine the most effective way to overcome the utility conflicts. A final design solution was then agreed to provide a clear plan for this section of the works.

Since receiving approval for the revised design, the team has been able to progress immediately, including widening the trench, installing twin pipework, constructing a catch pit, and connecting drainage infrastructure from the pond.

With the design now finalised, we are optimistic that progress will accelerate over the coming weeks. Once works have progressed beyond the affected section near MH2, construction will continue in accordance with the original design.

We appreciate the community's patience while these unforeseen challenges were resolved and are pleased that a practical solution has been agreed by all parties.

A further update will be provided in early September.