Burst water main on Haine Road, Ramsgate, causes 'traffic chaos'
13:36, 17 April 2023
updated: 13:38, 17 April 2023
A burst water main on a busy route has been causing "traffic chaos" and "gridlock" across a district, with work expected to continue for several days.
The repairs in Haine Road, Ramsgate, have led to long queues on diversion routes, and even caused a B&M lorry to jack-knife while attempting to turn in the road.
Residents have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, with Jason Chipperfield saying on Twitter: "The whole surrounding area is gridlocked."
On Facebook, Teresa Leggett said: "Roads leading to Westwood Cross are fluffed this morning.
"Haine Road is closed due to the water main burst, and the traffic is horrendous everywhere around it.
"It's taken me almost an hour to do a 10 minute journey."
Ruth Brackstone Bailey, a town councillor for Broadstairs, claimed the works were "causing traffic chaos around the area" in a post.
Other residents advised people to leave early for appointments at QEQM due to the congestion.
Among the traffic trouble, the driver of a B&M lorry tried their luck and carried on past the closure signs on the road.
They soon had to attempt to three-point turn in a residential road, and became stuck for at least two hours.
Southern Water said: "We're repairing two pipes in Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
"In Haine Road, Ramsgate, third party damage has caused a burst.
"The second is in Westwood Road, Broadstairs.
"While the two aren’t connected, we’ve had to shut part of Haine Road to keep everyone safe in the area.
"It’s closed at the junction with Manston Road, to the junction of St. John's Avenue.
"If you live nearby, you may also notice low pressure.
"We’re really sorry for any disruption this is causing.
"The road is due to be closed until end of the day on April 21."
A diversion route is in place, taking commuters along Manston Road to eventually join onto New Haine Road.
It isn't the only road closure causing traffic problems in the district.
Ramsgate Tunnel has been closed since April 6 for emergency fire system repairs, and there is no clear end-date in sight.
