ONE LANE of Worcester Bridge has re-opened after flood levels began to fall slightly in the city.
Traffic is currently being directed by police after the key city centre route opened again at 1pm today (Monday), but Worcestershire County Council is warning they may have to close it again if the river rises again as expected.
Highways bosses were forced to close a number of main routes yesterday (Sunday), including the main Worcester Bridge, A44 North Parade and Deansway causing gridlock as river levels rose to within just 30cm of the record levels seen seven years ago.
This morning there were reports of long tailbacks on the southern link road which is now the only route into the west of the city.
At 11.30am this morning the level at the Worcester Gauge was 5.33 metres and steady after peaking at 5.42 metres yesterday.
The Diglis Gauge measured 4.92 metres and steady after a peak of 4.98 metres.
And with the promise of more rain to come overnight and later in the week, the Environment Agency is warning the river could rise even higher meaning the diversions will remain in place.
Jon Fraser, head of highways at Worcestershire County Council, said: “River levels are already high and we have more rain forecast.
“We have had to close some roads and put diversions in place and even where roads are passable I would urge drivers to take care and temper their driving according to the conditions.”
The Hive was shut earlier as it was without water and power but it is expected to re-open at 2pm. The University Arena on the flooded Hylton Road and Crowngate Car Park are both closed, but shop owners are saying their businesses are still very much open.
Dafydd Evans, area manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We anticipate that river levels will remain elevated, peaking overnight (Sunday) and we would urge residents to remain vigilant to their flood risk.
“River levels will be higher than those experienced earlier in the year so further properties could be at risk of flooding.”
A full list of the road diversions is available at www.worcestershire.gov.uk as well as the buses that have been disrupted by road closures.
For the latest flood warnings visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk and www.metoffice.gov.uk for the latest weather warnings.
