The discovery of new cabling could mean the extension of work on the St Denys railway bridge – the cause of delays and frustration for thousands in recent weeks.
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Writing on a local group, Cllr John Savage (Portswood, Lab) said excavation works by Network Rail had revealed further cabling “not previously on any plans”.
This now has to be assessed by a specialist team to see if it’s live.
“Unfortunately, if it is live, it will extend the programme by up to two weeks,” wrote Savage.
He added: “This is still a network rail programme, and they will determine the schedule of works but Balfour Beatty and our council officers will be pressing for a speedy a resolution as possible.
“We must be mindful of the health and safety of those who are working on the site but this does create delays.”
The council's project page for the works was updated on October 24, confirming:
"The works have been progressing well and as planned. We have, however, been informed by Network Rail that during their work to secure the area they have identified many deep uncharted services.
"To ensure the safety of the public and the team and to enable the work to proceed, it is necessary to test each of the potentially live unknown cables so that they can be managed appropriately and safely by the team on site. Network Rail has confirmed that this additional work will delay their progress by days or weeks, and will delay the re-opening of the road to traffic."
As reported earlier in the week it was previously understood that work was on track, with expectations of two-way traffic again from Monday 28.