Major road into Aldridge closed due to burst water main

The bridge on Walsall Road was shut to traffic in both directions to allow for repairs after water started to gush down the route.

South Staffs Water were called at around 7am on Saturday following reports of a problem and carried out work across the weekend.

A 15 inch diameter main needed to be repaired and some resurfacing work carried out with the route able to reopen again today.

Householders in the immediate surrounding area were largely unaffected and still able to use water. This is as the system which was damaged is used to carry water towards Barr Beacon Reservoir.

Buses were hit with diversions along with other motorists with the number 6, 7, 7A and 997 services affected.

Drivers travelling towards Aldridge centre were diverted along Birmingham Road, Barr Common Road and Erdington Road.

Those leaving the town used Leighswood Road, Middlemore Lane, Dumblederry Lane and then Station Road to rejoin Walsall Road.

Experts from Network Rail were also called to make sure the bridge, which is based where Walsall Road meets Aldridge By-Pass was secure and safe.

Workers from the water company remained on site throughout the weekend to fix the main which is around a metre underground. The dry, warm weather could have been responsible for causing a pipe fracture.

Most of the water went into drains meaning the road did not completely flood. It is believed to have happened overnight on Friday with South Staffs Water called in the morning.

IT worker John Round, aged 46, who lives off Walsall Road, said: "We heard cars splashing through the water. But they sorted it out pretty quickly and blocked the road.

"They put in a diversion in and there was a bit of a backlog at first.

"Our water was off for about 20 minutes in the morning but that is all.

"It has happened a few times on Birmingham Road."

Civil servant Keith Morgan, aged 59, who also lives nearby, added: "It is a main road and it has caused some inconvenience for motorists, they have looked a bit perplexed when they get to the junction.

"We could see the water coming down the road. It has been quite peaceful and we haven't been inconvenienced by it at all."

Motorist Colin Mills, from Rushall, was travelling towards Aldridge this morning when he was confronted by the diversions.

The 66-year-old said: "It was a nuisance having to go round the block to get into Aldridge. It is a busy route and it should be a priority to get it fixed."