Bypass chaos as main bursts
DRIVERS are facing chaos on the roads as works to repair a burst water main on Formby Bypass are set to continue for another two days.
Delays are likely as work takes place to rebuild the road, which was closed northbound – between B5195 Altcar Road and Moss Side heading towards Southport – on Wednesday morning.
Sean Robinson of United Utilities confirmed a 12-inch highpressure water main had burst and the bypass would be reduced for two days.
Homes across Formby are facing poor pressure or discoloured water, after being left without water yesterday morning.
A team of engineers from United Utilities were on site carrying out repairs but due to the complex nature of the problem the work was expected to be ongoing throughout the day.
Water-on-wheels vehicles were put on standby in Formby but were not required.
A post on the United Utilities website said: “In order to help get some water flowing through your taps again our inspector has moved water from a different area into yours whilst we’re sorting out the leak.
“You may find that it doesn’t flow as much as the pressure will be lower, but we’re working as quickly as we can on our pipe, so we can get your taps flowing back to normal again.
“Because there’s been some disturbance to the pipes in your area you may notice the water is a little cloudy or discoloured, we know it doesn’t look nice but don’t worry, it’s unlikely to be harmful and will settle down again with time.
“You can help with this by letting your cold water tap run at a slight trickle until your water runs crystal clear again.
“We’re sorry if this has affected you getting on with your everyday jobs.”
Traffic was forced to divert through Formby centre to rejoin the bypass on Wednesday.
Engineers have been drafted in with United Utilities pledging “we will get your taps flowing normally again as quickly as we can”.