ONE of the main routes into Chard has completely reopened after a £100,000 scheme to renovate sewers in the north of the town was completed ahead of schedule.

The A358 Furnham Road was restored to two-way traffic last week after pipes within a 800-metre stretch between the Chaffcombe Road junction and the junction with Glynswood were relined by Wessex Water.

The scheme was completed inside its two-week timeframe, which saw the road reduced to a single lane for northbound traffic and southbound traffic being diverted using the A303, Stooper’s Hill and the A30.

Using modern technology, Wessex Water were able to avoid digging up long stretches of road, the work being completed using specialist equipment working deep underground.

Reusing the existing pipework where possible, a new liner was inserted inside the pipe to reduce the risk of leaks and potential sewer collapses, with engineers using robots to work their way along the pipe to complete the work and make connections.  

Wessex Water project manager Harleigh Homer said: “This was essential repair work on sewers that were identified as having a number of defects that would have got worse over time on a busy road like the A358.

“Our crews worked extended shifts to carry out this work quickly, minimising disruption by relining rather than completely excavating and replacing the pipe in a conventional fashion.

“We’re pleased to be able to reopen the road fully ahead of schedule and thank the local community for their patience and co-operation while the work was completed.’’