Main through route from High Barnet to Arkley closed to traffic as Thames Water repair collapsed sewer

Motorists and bus passengers are facing severe disruption for the rest of March because of the closure for sewer repairs of Barnet Road, Arkley – the main road from High Barnet towards Arkley and Borehamwood.

A collapsed sewer between the junctions with Rowley Lane and Barnet Gate Lane means that this section of Barnet Road will be closed until at least Friday 28 March.

The closure has prompted widespread complaints because of the absence of clear directions for alternative routes and the withdrawal of bus services along Barnet Road.

Through traffic is having to make a lengthy diversion either via Quinta Drive, Mays Lane and Barnet Gate Lane or via Rowley Lane and the A1 Barnet bypass.

Three bus routes are also on diversion – the 107 (New Barnet-Edgware), the 384 (Cockfosters-Edgware) and 614 Uno (Hatfield-Queensbury).

Residents living in the vicinity say there was a lack of advance notice and consultation, and they are worried about the inability of large vehicles such as fire appliances to enter side roads such as Rockways.

Bus passengers have been facing confusion, due the lack of clear advice on diversionary routes and alternative bus stops.

The well-used 107 service has been diverted in both directions via the St Albans Road and the A1 Barnet bypass.

Motorists have deplored the absence of clearly signposted alternative routes. Lorries and large vehicles are having to make larger detours as some of the roads on nearby alternative routes – such as Rowley Lane and Mays Lane – have width restrictions and barriers.

Contractors working for Thames Water have put up a sign at the junction with Wood Street and Well Lane warning of the closure ahead along Barnet Road until March 28 but there are no clearly signposted alternative routes.

Residents say their calls to Barnet Council, Transport for London and Thames Water have largely resulted in buck passing with no-one taking responsibility, although Thames Water have now said their traffic management team has been alerted.

There has been considerable congestion at rush hour with traffic jams caused by reversing cars and lorries.