Water burst closes busy cross-Pennine road with work underway

Drivers are warned to plan for delays on a main cross-Pennine route, with work to remedy a water burst which has closed the A646 at Hebden Bridge for two days still ongoing.

The road was closed at New Road in Hebden Bridge town centre on Monday after the burst was reported.

The company has indicated repairs are likely to take until Friday.

A temporary road closure and signed diversion is currently in place on a short section of the A646 between the junctions of New Road and Commercial Street and New Road and Hope Street.

Yorkshire Water said the diversion is in place while its contract partners attend the burst water main.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “We understand that this is a main route and the road closure and small diversion will remain in place so that our contract partners can safely repair the burst main as quickly as possible.

“This work is a priority for us and we are working at pace to get the repair completed and consequential damage to the highway finished so that the road can be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We would like to apologies to local residents and road users for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank them for their patience as we carry out this essential repair.”

Calderdale Council added on its social media platforms: “A diversion is in place whilst the emergency repairs are carried out by Yorkshire Water.

“This is a busy road, so delays and congestion is likely.

“Please plan your journey, check public transport and allow plenty of time to travel.

“We’re working with Yorkshire Water to understand the extent of the repairs and the anticipated timescales for completion of the works and reopening of the highway.”