There were huge problems for traffic on the A34 in Stafford last week when a drain collapsed under a busy section of the road.
Road users faced severe delays whilst repairs took place to the sewer.
The repair had initially been expected to take only a few days, but the discovery of a gas main in the same trench forced drainage experts from Severn Trent Water to stop digging until National Grid Gas made the site safe.
Temporary traffic lights were put in place during the repair, with delays of an hour experienced by some motorists.
A spokesperson from Severn Trent Water stated:
“We’ve not been able to progress further with the sewer pipe repair as we’re still assessing how best to tackle what’s needed.
“The excavated trench contains gas and water pipes as well the damaged sewer pipe, and we need to make sure we take a safe and practicable approach to the repairs.
“In the meantime, the excavation has been safely enclosed by barriers and traffic is able to flow freely past the spot.
“We apologise for any inconvenience the delay in repairs may cause.”
Large drainage problems like this will usually have to be dug to be repaired. However, if you have a problem with the drainage pipe that leads from your home to the public sewer, a liner repair will sometimes be all that is needed to repair the pipe.