Flood roads have re-opened
All of Warwickshire’s roads, which closed in recent days as a result of flooding, are now back open.
Warwickshire County Council’s highways team lifted the last road closure lunchtime on Tuesday.
In total more than 60 roads in Warwickshire closed over the weekend, with many closing since around lunchtime on Friday.
Andrew Savage, Warwickshire County Council’s County Highways Operational Services Managers, said: “During the weekend we had to close more than 60 roads with the assistance of the police to help ensure the safety of motorists. The weekend stretched resources with several crews from Carillion Highway Maintenance having to clear fallen trees, provide sand bags, pump out properties using jetting lorries and put out hundreds of warning signs.
“It was quite remarkable how quickly the level of floods and water courses changed on Friday. Fortunately compared to the Easter 1998 floods it appears no loss of life was sustained. A number of drivers had to be rescued by helicopter early Saturday morning in southern parts of the county.”
Mr Savage said a number of roads sustained damage through the sheer force and velocity of floodwater. The Fosse Way has been damaged in two locations.
Many drivers sustained damage to vehicles as they attempted to drive through flood water.
Mr Savage said: “The extent of abandoned cars highlight the vulnerability of cars going through not much more than 100-150mm of water. It is particularly hazardous driving across flowing floodwater whether it is river water or from adjacent fields, even 4x4 vehicles got caught out as drivers attempted to get through the water.”
A number of bridges have sustained parapet damage due to the height of the flooding. Detailed underwater inspections will be carried out in August when the water levels are hopefully lower to check for scour erosion to foundations.