FLOOD alleviation work is set to commence in Romsey this summer

The work will take place at Mainstone and Middlebridge Street on the highway.

The A3090 by-pass and B3398 will not close for two months from April 15 as previously reported.

A spokesperson said: “Hampshire County Council and the Environment Agency have been developing a range of flood alleviation measures for Romsey. Elements of this scheme have recently started and the County Council will shortly be appointing a contractor to undertake flood alleviation works at Mainstone and Middlebridge Street on the highway with the intention of commencing construction in the summer. In order to minimise disruption to residents and businesses in Romsey, the timing of these improvements has been aligned with other flood works being carried out by the Environment Agency and the County Council’s separate town centre improvements at Market Place. When contract details have been finalised, the start date and traffic management arrangements will be published. It is important to note that we do not expect these roads to be fully closed during the works.”

The flood alleviation work comes as part of a £6.2million flood scheme which is currently underway in the market town and is set to protect 186 homes.

The scheme will cover three key areas of construction including works along the main River Test to reduce the risk of river flooding; highway work at Mainstone and improved drainage at Middlebridge Street, both to reduce the risk from surface water.

The Environment Agency (EA) said the River Test works will consist of a flow control structure at the top of the Fishlake Stream, to restrict the amount of water going directly through the town in case of flooding.

According to the EA, this will allow the floodplain to the west to fill up and direct the flood waters away from the Budds Lane area of Romsey.

Drainage of the floodplain back into the main river south of the town are also set to be improved through the provision of two spillways along The Causeway.

As previously reported, earlier this year residents raised concerns over the impact the plans for the two spillways and bridges along The Causeway will have on the character of the area.

The EA said a final design for the bridges is yet to be chosen and confirmed the bridges and spillways will start 7m south of the Goat Willow and extend 25m southwards from that point.

As previously reported, The Causeway will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from the second half of May to allow the work.

The flood scheme has been partnership funded with £1.499 million from Hampshire County Council and £325k from Test Valley Borough Council. An additional £1.157 million was provided by local levy from the Southern Regional Food and Coastal Committee with the remainder coming from central government funding.