Rickmansworth Road in Watford stays closed after burst water main

Following a burst water main on Saturday morning, which flooded local roads and left households without water, Rickmansworth Road remains shut due to ongoing repairs.

The closure is at the junction with Rosslyn Road and means there is no access westwards out of the town, without diverting via the ring road.

Since the road and underpass was closed, Beechen Grove has been at a standstill from the town hall roundabout to the traffic lights near Clarendon Road, with delays worsening this morning with schools back.

Rickmansworth Road pictured on Saturday. The closure is still in force

Queuing traffic in Beechen Grove towards the ring road on Saturday. There are similar scenes today. Credit: Stephen Danzing/Watford Observer Camera Club

Watford mayor Peter Taylor has said the road closure will not be lifted until tomorrow (Tuesday) "at the earliest".

He tweeted: "Update from @AffinityWater: Burst water main fixed & water flowing back to normal. Ricky Road (Southbound) will be closed until Tues at the earliest. Cloudy water is normal following a mains interruption & is not harmful to your health. Recommend running your mains tap 5-10mins".

Although the water main has been fixed, the work required an excavation, and now the road surface needs to be relaid again.

A signed diversion is in place via the ring road, Upton Road, and Cassio Road, before rejoining Rickmansworth Road.

The road closure pictured from the town hall roundabout. Credit: Stephen Danzig/Watford Observer Camera Club

Credit: Stephen Danzig/Watford Observer Camera Club

Households across Watford were affected by the burst pipe on Saturday, with some residents not seeing a normal return to their supply until the evening, although some properties in the Nascot area were still experiencing problems into the early hours of Sunday morning.

There were further issues on Sunday in The Parade but those repairs have now been completed.

A statement on Affinity Water's website said: "We’re really sorry for the problems with your water this weekend. We’ve fixed the burst water main and you’ll see your water flowing back to normal.

"If your water is discoloured or cloudy, don’t worry this is normal. We know it doesn’t look nice, but it’s not harmful and you can help by running your cold tap until it’s clear.

"In order for the road to be reinstated and re-opened safely, Rickmansworth Road (Southbound) will be closed until Tuesday at the earliest. Diversion routes and signage have been implemented in the area."