ROADWORKS to replace a troublesome March water main with a history of leaks and bursts could cause potential traffic chaos until December, residents have warned.

Anglian Water is replacing 755 metres of water main in Elwyn Road. Construction, which started in August, could last until December.

The company says that “by acting now to replace these pipes we hope to reduce the likelihood of bursts and leaks which impact your supply”.

However, residents say they are worried about the affect on traffic.

Laura Lancaster wrote on the March Cambridgeshire Free Voice page on Facebook: “I appreciate that maintenance/water pipes need to be done, but no thought seems to have gone into the damage caused to the rest of the town.

“We all saw the complete standstill in the town a few months back due to the bypass being closed. If our councillors want March to thrive and the town centre to be a viable option for people to shop in, traffic needs to be eased.”

Tracey Dickerson added: “Try living on the road if you think the traffic is bad for those of you just passing through.”

Writing to residents at the start of the works, Anglian Water project manager Tony Wing said: “To minimise this inconvenience for you we have carefully planned the work, laying the new main in three sections.”

The section of Elwyn Road from the market place to the Badgeney Road junction is closed to through traffic. A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesman said a road closure has been approved until November 21.

Anglian Water will then carry out work between the Badgeney Road junction and Upwell Road using temporary traffic lights.

• RESIDENTS in St Peter’s Road, where traffic has been regularly gridlocked because of the Elwyn Road closure, have objected to plans to introduce yellow lines in their street.

March Town Council wants parking restrictions to be introduced in St Peter’s Road, Cavalry Drive, Cavalry Park, High Street, Elwyn Road and Newlands Avenue.

In total, 24 letters of objection have been sent to Cambridgeshire County Council, the majority of which are about St Peter’s Road.

Ms Lancaster also said on the March Cambridgeshire Free Voice page on Facebook: “The parking has never been a problem until this extremely high volume of traffic has been forced to use the road.”

The proposed restrictions will be considered by the Fenland Traffic Management Area Joint Committee which meets at Fenland Hall, March, on October 19.