REPAIRS on a partially collapsed sewer underneath City Road in Chester are forecast to continue until September, Welsh Water has said.

In an update posted on the water company's website, the firm said the next phase of repairs on the two partial collapses of the Victorian sewer had begun on the site by the canal towpath, and apologised for the inconvenience.

A statement said: "Our team have now started working on site. They will be digging down on the collapse next to the old Swifty's bar. As with all major construction work, there will be some noise during this time – but this should only last a couple of weeks and will be the noisiest part of all the work.

"We apologise for this disruption and will do our best to finish this part of the work as soon as we can. Thank you for bearing with us during this essential part of the work."

The firm added: "The repair work is very challenging due to the location of both of the collapses under the bridge, restricting access to the collapse.

"Our contractors are now on site carrying out the repair and we should have everything finished by the end of September.

"Whilst we carry out the work temporary pumps and pipes have been installed on Canal Side to maintain flows. Unfortunately, these will need to stay in place until the work to repair the sewer is complete. We understand that this is inconvenient to users of Canal Side and apologise for any disruption caused during this essential work."

As part of the works:

  • Welsh Water is carrying out repair work on the sewer under City Road bridge and next to the old Swifty’s pub.
  • The first repair will be next to Swifty’s where workers will need to dig down around five metres to get to the sewer
  • Welsh Water will then carry out work to repair the sewer under City Road bridge
  • During the work, the pathway along the canal from City Road Bridge to the Square will be closed and a diversion in place
  • Steps from City Road Bridge down to Canal Side will remain open throughout the work
  • All businesses along Canal Side will remain open as usual

The firm added: "So that the team can work safely and for the safety of the public, while we carry out this work the pathway under City Road Bridge will be closed to the public and diversion will be in place during closures to allow access to the businesses along Canal Side, which are open as usual.

"We know Canal Side is also part of route 45 Sustrans cycle route through Chester. After consultation with cycling organisation, Highways have advised there are no suitable alternative routes that meet the requirements for safe cycling and therefore we will ask cyclists to dismount and use the pedestrian diversion. We apologise for the disruption this may cause you."

A diversion is in place via Russell Street, Boughton and The Square.