A1101 Wash Road closed due to flooding at Welney
The A1101 is closed at Welney due to flooding. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
Villagers are bracing themselves for weeks of disruption after heavy rains have flooded the Wash Road at Welney.
The A1101 is closed at Welney due to flooding. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
Heavy rainfall causes the River Ouse level at Welney Causeway to rise and spill over onto the flood plains, which were built to store excess water centuries ago.
Flooding makes the A1101 impassible between Welney and Suspension Bridge, leaving the village cut off from the south and drivers facing a 30-mile detour.
The A1101 is closed at Welney due to flooding. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
In 2016, the road was closed for more than a week after days of heavy rainfall led to water levels rising to three metres in some places.
Welney parish councillor Ken Goodger said there have been talks in the past of raising the road, but added: “Whilst we would like to see that we have to look at the implications on the road itself - the water needs to get from one side to the other.
The A1101 is closed at Welney due to flooding. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant
“There are signs informing motorists of how much water is on there road, some even six miles away.
“People still turn up there and some of them make an attempt to cross and get stranded and need to get pulled out.”
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A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: “Due to the recent heavy rainfall we have seen high river levels across East Anglia.
“With more rain forecast for the coming days it’s likely that more flood water will be going in to the Ouse Washes Flood Storage Reservoir and on to the A1101 Wash Road/Welney Causeway.
“This could lead to the road being closed by Norfolk County Council.”
The spokesman added: “People who may be affected are advised to check the nearby electronic signage which will update drivers of the current water levels on the road.
“Drivers are urged to stay safe and not drive through flood water. Just 30cm of flood water can move a car.”
You can keep up to date with flood alerts and warnings for your area via the website www.flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk
