Start of urgent roadworks in Exeter brought forward

South West Water will be able to carry out repairs to a collapsed sewer in Exeter ahead of schedule after Devon County Council helped bring forward the start of work.

Contractor May Gurney had been preparing to undertake work on the collapsed sewer in Holloway Street, but repairs were delayed as the site is immediately adjacent to an ancient masonry arch structure, which is a Scheduled Monument, laying deep under the highway.

The structure, which was originally built as a bridge dating from before the construction of Exeter Cathedral, has been inspected by Devon County Council engineers. The arch, which is maintained by Devon County Council, was found to have suffered some damage during the sewer leak with some of the mortar joints being washed out.

The County Council’s bridge engineers have been liaising with English Heritage to fast-track the required consent in order to start repairs. May Gurney started work yesterday (Thursday 17 January), sanitising the confined space beneath Holloway Street, before masons from contractor South West Highways Ltd begin re-pointing the arch on Monday (21 January). These repairs will enable May Gurney to start its excavation work.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Thousands of people pass over this ancient structure each day unaware of its existence, but as a Scheduled Monument we have a duty to ensure it is maintained and protected. Our bridge team has leant its expertise on this issue, liaising with English Heritage to get the appropriate consent for the repair work in around a week, when it would normally take at least 12 weeks. English Heritage has been extremely supportive in recognising this is an emergency and that work is required urgently. We have resolved these issues as quickly as possible to enable South West Water and its contractor to carry out its work and keep traffic delays to a minimum.”

Councillor Jill Owen, Devon County Councillor for Priory and St Leonard’s, said: “I hope that this necessary work will continue to be treated as urgent. It is causing hold ups for the traffic but also nearby residents are being badly affected by extra traffic passing very close to their houses. I am grateful to all involved that they are working as quickly as possible.”