Freeze adds to counties' flooding woes

09/01/2024 | CHRIS AMES

Highway authorities in England are still battling to recover from the impact of Storm Henk, with the further risk of surface water freezing as winter temperatures return.

Abingdon Road, a key route into Oxford, was closed at about 9:30pm on Friday (5 January) due to rising water levels and remained closed on Tuesday afternoon.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds told the Oxford Mail that the closure of the road to traffic had had a ‘massive impact on both local residents and businesses’.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said access to the city could be gained through the High Street bus gates in the meantime until the water levels are again at passable levels.

The council also said its gritters will be out across the county again as the cold weather continues and asked people to travel carefully in the conditions, 'especially as some roads are still affected by flooding'.

Lincolnshire County Council also warned drivers to be ‘extra vigilant’, adding that following the extreme weather that had seen elevated water levels from Storm Babet and Storm Henk, the plunge to sub-zero had brought a new range of road surface difficulties.

Network resilience manager Darrell Redford said: ‘What we are facing now is not normal for this time of year. Conditions are very tricky at the moment.

‘As the weather is turning a lot colder, we are also dealing with considerable amounts of water running off fields onto roads as part of the recent flooding problems. Where this is happening, we are seeing ice forming.’

Mr Redford added: ‘We are gritting more as the weather worsens – trying to mitigate the ice formation by sending the gritters out twice today at maximum spread, but this is no guarantee that we will be able to treat every issue.

‘It is worth noting that salt can still be washed away and ice can form, especially anywhere that water can be seen running across a road.’

Nottinghamshire County Council declared a major incident along the River Trent last week due to flooding and the risk of further flooding caused by Storm Henk.

Mansfield District Council’s executive mayor, Andy Abrahams, now has written to Nottinghamshire CC leader Ben Bradley for an urgent meeting, linking flooding of roads in the area with a lack of maintenance.

Mr Abrahams wrote: ‘Besides the specific flooding issues, I want to raise our concern about the general lack of routine maintenance on the road network in the Mansfield area that is exacerbating flooding problems across the District.

‘This includes the routine emptying of highway gullies so they can intercept rainwater into the sewer system instead of it forming extensive areas of ponding.’

Mr Abrahams said the majority of the debris being washed into and blocking the gullies comes from the ineffective temporary repair to potholes which are breaking up.

Highways has approached Nottinghamshire CC for comment

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW