Following detailed surveys, Thames Water has said the sewer repairs on Evendons Lane in Wokingham will require a closure until at least Christmas.
The sewer itself has not collapsed, unlike in 2022 when a sinkhole developed, but there are deep underground gaps which pose a risk.
Thames Water is finalising a plan to manage sand and water levels, as previous repair efforts were hampered by the ground collapsing.
Works will likely involve overpumping, where sewage is temporarily diverted using hoses to keep it flowing. The company will soon start the next stage of investigations.
In 2022, a temporary one-way system was in place on surrounding lanes, but some people didn’t support this so Wokingham borough council is looking at the safety of managing two-way traffic instead.
It said it will keep working with Thames Water to solve this as soon as it can, and we’ll continue postponing non-essential works to minimise further congestion.
Elsewhere, work is also progressing on another Thames Water sewer repair in Plough Lane, off London Road, which is expected to finish on Tuesday, October 21.
