UK Road Set To Cost Millions After Mysterious Movement Leaves It Completely Warped
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A section of road on the B4069 near Lyneham, Wiltshire, could cost millions to repair after underground movements left it badly damaged.
According to the Wiltshire Council, the road has been closed since 17 February, but police say some drivers are still attempting to use it.
The earthquake-like damage will be investigated after mysterious underground movements disfigured the tarmac.
While the council wait for a report from geotechnical specialists to decide next steps, local residents have said the road has only gotten worse over the last year.
Although it is not yet clear was caused the damage, Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, said the repairs could be costly.
He said the road 'could costs hundreds of thousands or up into the millions'.
The council member went on to say the significant damage to the road could not be 'resolved in a matter of days or weeks' and could take up to 12 months in total.
McClelland added that in some places the road had buckled up to four feet and that 'the underlying ground has slipped'.
Now the council are looking at 'understanding why that has happened'.
There is reportedly an 'official diversion route' in place and the council are said to be doing what they could to alert drivers, as per the Wiltshire Times.
McClelland said: "We’re currently installing extra temporary signage to give people more advance warning of the closure, and we have more permanent signs on order to help drivers to avoid the area.
"We’re also looking to change the use of Clackhill to help prevent some of the traffic issues locally."
He added: "The police have been very clear that it's very dangerous for motorists to ignore signage."
The damage is impacting local businesses, with pubs including the Peterborough Arms suffering losses since the road closure.
Brendan Watkins, who runs the pub, said that the disruption has impacted his trade.
He told the BBC last month: "It's been quite bad. We lost about 50 percent of our restaurant bookings this weekend.
"It's a big job but it needs to be done as quickly as possible because local businesses are suffering."
Jay Collings who runs a car body workshop, 3Sixty Bodyworx, on the B4069 said that he was 'surprised' the road had 'not been shut earlier'.
He stressed the 'need to invest in the safety of the road' moving forward.
The road is currently closed and will remain so as further investigations take place.
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