Chichester road reopens after water leak repairs

Repairs to the B2201 Chichester Road near Donnington have been completed following the discovery of two large potholes and a water leak, with the road due to reopen to traffic from 12.30pm on Wednesday, October 28.

Teams from Portsmouth Water began repair work on Tuesday, October 27, after the road was closed following the discovery of two potholes, each measuring approximately 140mm deep.

The defects were considered ‘too close together and too large to repair safely under temporary traffic signals’, prompting an emergency road closure.

During the work, crews discovered a water leak within the repair area. Highways teams worked with the relevant utility partners to investigate the problem and determine the necessary repairs, delaying progress on the roadworks.

The closure caused disruption for motorists travelling between Chichester and The Witterings, with the B2201 also forming part of the diversion route for ongoing gas main replacement works on Stockbridge Road.

The closure affected Stagecoach services 52 and 53, which were unable to follow their usual routes. An emergency bus service was introduced, operating between the Co-op store on Stockbridge Road and The Witterings, with passengers travelling to or from Chichester required to walk to or from the store.

In an update issued at midday on Wednesday, October 28, West Sussex Highways confirmed that repairs to the B2201 Chichester Road are now complete and the road is due to reopen from 12.30pm.

The temporary traffic lights at the B2201/Green Lane junction are also being moved back to the B2145/B2201 junction, where they were previously located.

The reopening will restore traffic flow along the affected section of Chichester Road, although motorists should remain aware of the wider disruption caused by the ongoing Stockbridge Road closure.

Drivers are advised to take care when travelling through the area and allow extra time for their journeys while traffic management arrangements are adjusted.