Water firm faces big task to fix burst water main
WATER company engineers have warned that repairs to the Selly Oak sinkhole that opened up after a huge water main burst may take “a long time” because of complications.
The company was initially stumped when it discovered the sinkhole in Harborne Lane was not actually the source of the torrent of water.
The giant hole swallowed up a traffic junction after millions of gallons of water flooded from the burst main.
Severn Trent said its investigations had shown the leak may not have been the only factor in causing the collapse of the road.
“We’ve now been able to get a camera into the pipe,” said a spokesman for Severn Trent Water. “It has shown us exactly where the pipe is damaged which, interestingly, is not where the sinkhole is.
“The part of the pipe that’s damaged is under the grass verge near to the roundabout, and unfortunately there are lots of other critical utility pipes and cables in that area, making a dig-down to the pipe much more difficult.
“So we’re taking the time now to fully investigate our options and work out the best way to do the job.”
The water company has warned it is likely to take a “long time to get everything back to normal,” although Harborne Lane has now been partially reopened to traffic and pedestrians.
Workers have expanded the operation into nearby allotments, and it is hoped an extra “access point” will help solve the problem.
Severn Trent apologised to residents and drivers for the delay. “We want to say sorry to anyone who is being affected by this,” said the spokesman. “It’s a really big and difficult job and it will take a long time to get everything back to normal.”