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In Pictures: Work continues to fix Telford water main burst with supply restored to 'majority' of homes

The 'majority' of properties have had water supplies restored after a major burst pipe caused chaos in Telford.

By Dominic Robertson
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The incident, which was first reported early this morning, led to closures on Brockton Way section of the A442, with homes in the area also either having no water of low pressure.

Around 50 workers are dealing with the incident in Telford.
Around 50 workers are dealing with the incident in Telford.

The water main burst on the slip road of Brockton Way, which remains closed while work takes place, with a diversion in place.

Work taking place to fix the burst water pipe on Brockton Way.
Work taking place to fix the burst water pipe on Brockton Way.

Severn Trent have had around 50 workers dealing with the issue throughout the day, with water being re-routed through the pipe network and 23 water tankers injecting additional water into the network.

The company said properties in the TF3, TF4, TF7 and TF8, areas of Telford had all been impacted by the burst, with a host of reports on social media from residents saying they have no water.

Workers have needed to cut trees down to get access to the site.
Workers have needed to cut trees down to get access to the site.

The traffic disruption eased from around midday with the Brockton Loop, near Brookside, reopening at 11.51am.

At 1pm Severn Trent confirmed the A442 had reopened, along with the stretch of the A4169 to the Castlefields roundabout. 

The slip road off Brockton Way to Castlefields will remain closed for now.

Closures and parts of the route affected shown on the AA Traffic website. Picture: AA
Closures and parts of the route affected shown on the AA Traffic website. Picture: AA

In its latest update Severn Trent said the "majority" of properties had been reconnected and urged patience as the water colour returns to normal.

It is anticipated that all properties will have water restored in the next few hours.

A spokesman said: "Our teams are working hard on site and we're moving water around the network which means the majority of customers are back on supply. We’re working hard to get the remainder of our customers back on supply as quickly as possible.

Severn Trent said it had around 15 tankers in the area looking to boost water supplies. Picture: Severn Trent
Severn Trent said it had around 15 tankers in the area looking to boost water supplies. Picture: Severn Trent

"Those back on supply may experience issues with discolouration, which is normal when we’re moving water around the network, we’d encourage those customers to keep their taps running until their water turns clear. 

Around 50 workers are dealing with the incident.
Around 50 workers are dealing with the incident.

"Queensway has been reopened in both directions after our teams cleaned the carriageway. Brockton Way slip road will remain closed while we fix the burst, a small diversion route has been put in place. 

The burst pipe is on the slip road for Brockton Way.
The burst pipe is on the slip road for Brockton Way.

"We have now dug down onto the main, which is three metres deep.” 

Roads have been closed as a result of the incident with traffic management on other routes.
Roads have been closed as a result of the incident with traffic management on other routes.
The route has been closed due to the incident.
The route has been closed due to the incident.
Properties across Telford have reported being without water.
Properties across Telford have reported being without water.
Scores of workers are trying to fix the issue.
Scores of workers are trying to fix the issue.
The water pipe has burst on the slip road to Brockton Way
The water pipe has burst on the slip road to Brockton Way
Workers have had to cut down trees to gain access to the site.
Workers have had to cut down trees to gain access to the site.
Buffers have been used to direct the water away from the road.
Buffers have been used to direct the water away from the road.