The A41 in Bushey is likely to remain closed for the rest of the working week.
Engineers are working 24/7 to repair a burst water main but the work has required a huge excavation.
Due to the size of the excavation, there is no way of reopening the major road - even partially – until the repairs have been completed.
The A41 has been closed between the Hartspring roundabout and Sandy Lane, by McDonald’s, since the early hours of Monday morning and a spokesperson has told us the road is unlikely to reopen until Friday afternoon.
Credit: Affinity Water
An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for the traffic disruption caused by a burst along the A41 near Bushey.
“The water main is over 3.5 metres deep and has required a large excavation to expose the pipe, which is also adjacent to a gas main and electric cable.
“Our teams have been working 24 hours a day to expose the pipe and carry out the repairs. During this time, part of the A41 is closed and there is a diversion in place to ensure the safety of commuters and our engineers carrying out this repair.
“We have adjusted our network to ensure there is no impact to public supplies and our teams will be working overnight to complete the repairs and re-open the road.
“We would like to thank customers and commuters for their patience during this time.”
🚧⛔ #WD25 We have a burst water main on Elton Way (A41), An urgent road closure has been put in place between Hartspring Lane and Sandy lane to safely carry out repairs. We're sorry for any disruption caused to your journey.
— Affinity Water 💧 (@AffinityWater) September 21, 2020
There have been delays in and around Bushey and Aldenham, particularly in Hartspring Lane and Little Bushey Lane.
The closure has also affected the M1 and Stephenson Way during the morning rush hour.
The situation was made even worse this morning due to a small sinkhole in Aldenham Road near Queens School.
ROAD CLOSED: #Bushey Aldenham Rd closed, however access is still viable for the schools entrance from Bushey Mill Ln, the closure is for carriageway investigation. pic.twitter.com/P0fsrpDjP1
— HCC Highways (@Herts_Highways) September 22, 2020
The hole in Aldenham Road. Credit: Bushey Liberal Democrats
Closure in Aldenham Road Credit: Hertsmere Police
Investigations are currently being carried out in the road and the hole has been cordoned off by Hertfordshire County Council.
Police were at the scene yesterday evening when the hole was more of a pothole and reported some vehicles had been damaged driving over the hole.
Aldenham Road remains closed and could be for the forseeable future with a much larger hole now dug.
The above image was shared by the Bushey Liberal Democrats on Facebook which said its councillors have been in touch with the county council.
The Facebook post added that notices had been put up saying Aldenham Road could be closed in both directions until October 6, although it is an "estimate" at this stage.
The post added: "We have stressed that closing the road for any longer than necessary will cause huge disruption for residents, and have urged them to complete the repairs as soon as possible."
Meanwhile the closure of Heathbourne Road since 8am this morning due to roadworks caused gridlock in Bushey Heath.
The burgundy lines show standstill traffic this morning. Credit: Google Maps
Queues stretched all the way back to Bushey Arches, affecting drivers travelling through Watford and Oxhey.
Those delays have now cleared but similar delays are expected for the rest of this week, with those roadworks lasting until September 29, and the A41 still closed.
Little Bushey Lane and Sandy Lane remain slow this afternoon.
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