Severn Trent reviewing signage after complaints diversion still in place now road has reopened in Duckmanton
Residents have complained after a road reopened as part of Severn Trent’s work to replace water pipes in Duckmanton – but diversion signs remain in place.
Severn Trent has completed the first phase of a £1.5m project to replace water pipes along the A632 Chesterfield Road at Duckmanton.
The busy road was initially closed to the west of Staveley Road and that part of the scheme is now completed, so once again is accessible from the Chesterfield direction.
On Derbyshire Times’ Facebook page Chris Prime said: “Been opened a week, still signs up in Staveley saying road still closed, no access to Chesterfield... come on Derbyshire County Council have a word.”
Susannah Boden added: “Buses still being diverted through Inkersall and Brimington though adding extra times on journeys. Would make more sense to do normal route and use Staveley Road and Tom Lane now.”
Michelle Small said: “This has now been accessible for a week and Seven Trent Water still don’t feel it’s necessary to update the road signs they put up. This is causing unnecessary travel delays and people are still taking detours because they think the road is still closed.”
Severn Trent teams have now moved onto the East side of Staveley Road to begin phase two of the works.
The official diversion route will remain unchanged with lights at the Staveley Road junction in place.
A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “We want to thank the local community for their continued patience while we carry out this essential £1.5m investment to lay new water pipes in Duckmanton. To keep everyone safe, we’re operating under traffic management, with signage and diversion routes agreed by Derbyshire Highways.
"While Staveley Road remains open, it isn’t suitable for heavy goods vehicles because of the low bridge and limited turning space, so our signage reflects that. We’ll always listen to feedback and will be reviewing the other signage and want to assure everyone we’re on track to have the road open by mid-December.”
They added the diversion route hasn’t changed since the project started and the company has no control over what route bus operators chose to use.
Severn Trent is investing £1.5m to replace 750m of pipework along the A632 boosting the resilience of the local water network and reducing the risk of emergency repairs in the future.