Westview Drive/Weston Rd flood damage

Posted 29/07/13

We were out delivering brochures in Weston yesterday and I took the opportunity to have a closer look at the closed part of Weston Road. It has been closed for a fair bit of the time since the recent heavy rains washed out part of it. I was... surprised to see the extent of the excavations which, as you can see from the photo, has left less than a metre width of seal on the side of the road. What you can't see is the rather impressive depth! It appears that the contractor has taken it down to that level to rebuild the reinforcing and foundations. One thing is certain - it won't be opening in a hurry! (Update: It did open very soon after this was posted - great work!)

I have heard a couple of theories as to why the washout occurred in the way and to the extent that it did. The suggestion is that the damage was avoidable or at least could have been lessened. I want to find out the true reason as I don't like seeing money wasted or people inconvenienced when it could have been prevented. Watch this space...

 

Looking from the top of the hole on Weston Road down at the culvert a long way down. That's a decent sized digger in the background to give you an idea of the scale. Still a lot of gabion baskets to be filled with rocks and put into place before the refilling can start.