A major road through the Fens will close for three weeks next month so that workmen can stop a section of the embankment slipping into the water.
Urgent works will start on the Sixteen Foot Drain near Stonea on June 9 and access restricted only to pub users and local residents and businesses.
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesman said: “Closing a road is a last resort for us and we want to apologise for any disruption this causes.
“But this is vital repair work that if left could result in the bank and road collapsing into the water
“The work is needed to prevent part of the embankment slipping into the water and collapsing the road
“Part of the bank has already slipped and to carry out the vital works as quickly and safely as possible it will be necessary to close part of the road.”
Over the last months large cracks have appeared in the road and temporary repairs made in readiness for the full repair scheme to be carried out.
Agreement has been reached with Network Rail who also wants the crossing shut while the repairs are completed.
The works will include sheet piling along a section of the bank. The large equipment being used means that other vehicles would find it hard and unsafe to pass and large vehicles could become stuck at the crossing with no way of turning around.
The spokesman said: “While on site we will be taking the opportunity to resurface the road, improve signs and lines in the area and undertake any other works that are required”.
Access will be kept open to businesses in the area, including the Golden Lion pub at the crossing. Access will be signed.
From June 9 the road along the Sixteen Foot will be closed for 24 hours a day for around three weeks.
The diversion will be (B1093) Manea Road, Wimblington; (A141) Wimblington bypass; (B1101) Wimblington Road and The Avenue, March; (B1099) St Peter’s Road and Upwell Road, March – and vice versa.
The spokesman said: “Due to the size of the machinery, materials and workforce so close to the water on a narrow road it would be unsafe for the public if we kept the road open.
“However, we are keen to highlight that customers of businesses in the area, such as the Golden Lion pub, can still access them. This will be signed as access will be only from one part of the closure.”
The spokesman added: “While the road is closed we will also carry out any other works that need doing in this area to avoid further disruption to residents and road users.”
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