Road closure for February in Belstead Road Stoke Park

Information received from Anglian Water 

From 18th February

Anglia Water is embarking on a £750,000 scheme to renovate the existing 1500m long trunk main between our Belstead pumping station and Stone Lodge Reservoir. The scheme involves a technique called slip lining – using the existing main as a duct to insert a new plastic main. There are only a few occasions where we are able to reduce the capacity of a water main, but on this occasion we can, and this means that road works are considerably reduced, as we do not need to dig long trenches in the road in the traditional way. However, the technique can only be carried out in sections, so pits have to be dug to be able to insert the new pipe. The distance between the pits varies due to a number of reasons, and in this case, we believe we can limit the number of pits to three in Belstead Road. The pits are quite large though – some 10-12m long and 2m wide, and they have to stay open until pressure tests are complete. 

With the position of the 18” main being close to the centre of the road, this means we have to close part of Belstead Road.

The section to be closed is between Fountains Road and the entrance to St Josephs College. As the side roads, Sandringham, Holyrood and Balmoral Closes only exit onto Belstead Road, we are planning to close Belstead Road in three sections to keep access open for these residents. We will also be able to keep access open for residents on Belstead Road, but the road will not be open to through traffic.

The diversion route for all vehicles, including busses, is Fountains Road and Stoke Park Drive and vice versa.

The college are aware as we are carrying out similar work across their land now. They have requested that we complete early so as to give maximum time for recovery of the grounds in time for the cricket season. I have agreed with Ipswich Borough Council that the road work follows the college section.

 Ipswich buses have been advised and they are aware of the above planned date. However, the intention is to close the road for the minimum time possible to minimise inconvenience to all, so if we are not quite ready, we will delay by a few days. The bus company have asked to be advised with a confirmed date with a minimum 7 days notice to advertise a diversion. 

Letters have been sent to those directly affecte

There will be an Anglian Water Engineer visiting the site frequently, if you find yourself unable to obtain assistance locally, please contact myself on the above number during office hours, or our 24-hour help line on 08457 145145.