Message from Oxfordshire County Council:
Regarding the burst water main at the Heyford Hill roundabout on the Oxford Ring Road:
This has resulted in no water or low pressure to up to 35,000 households and businesses, which are supplied by the Horspath and Brasenose reservoirs, affecting those in OX1, OX2, OX3, OX4, OX14, OX33, OX44 and HP18. The area includes the JR Hospital, 16 schools and eight care homes.
This has led to the closure of the A4142 between Rose Hill Roundabout, Littlemore and Heyford Hill roundabout, creating significant traffic problems in the city and also the A34.
The A423 is also closed eastbound between Kennington Roundabout and Heyford Hill. The footway and cycle path is now passable. Caution is advised as you approach Heyford Hill due to ongoing work and surface water at this location.
Drivers are asked to avoid travelling into Oxford as many roads are congested.
Thames Water is leading on repairing the problem and has sent tankers to pump water into the reservoirs and the network. We have stood up our emergency planning structures and are working very closely with Thames Water and our system partners on contingency arrangements.
The water supply disruption is expected to continue into Thursday (6 October). Three bottled water stations will be set up tomorrow morning. Thames Water is delivering bottled water to priority service customers, who are the most vulnerable. However, we are encouraging residents affected to support and check-in on any vulnerable neighbours, particularly in the collection of water required.
Updates from Thames Water will be provided on Twitter @thameswater and traffic updates will be provided @OxonTravel as the incident progresses.
Bottled water station locations and opening times, alongside any additional information about the incident, will be published on Thames Water’s website. Water customers can also report problems with their water supply.
It is very likely that public and health services will be disrupted and schools in the affected area may need to close. Schools that may need to close as a result of the incident will provide updates on our school closures webpage.
We will keep you updated as the situation develops.
