Extended road closure forcing lengthy detours

A Telford road closure has been extended after a burst water pipe caused major disruption.

Rock Road, which was due to reopen before the start of the new school term, has remained shut due to issues with a water main that will supply the new Lidl store.

The closure has affected residents in the Overdale and The Rock areas, with traffic, including lorries, being diverted through surrounding residential estates. Some drivers were even seen going off-road to navigate around the closure, while residents also reported water flooding and some temporary loss of water pressure.

Local resident Dawn Davies commented “It’s costing double in petrol and all the extra time added on to our journeys. All the extra pollution from the longer journeys too.”

Councillor Boylan, who represents the area, said he and The Parish Council have been keeping residents informed via social media, email, and phone.

He stated that “ongoing engineering difficulties and a change in the extent of works” were behind the delay. “Ongoing engineering difficulties and a change in the extent of works, the developer was unable to open Rock Road whilst they carry out these works. Burst water main amongst other issues.

“Severn Trent Water have now repaired the leak however, due to the volume of water that escaped and ran into the open trenches the developer is having to excavate and test the stone to ensure this is not damaged and camera the new pipe before they are able to reinstate.”

Concerns have also been raised about the location of a bus stop, which has been “escalated and is being looked at,” according to Councillor Boylan.

The development is a multi-million-pound investment for the area, and Lidl has previously stated it is on track to open in late 2025. It is hoped the roadworks will be resolved soon.