A road in Newcastle city centre was closed in both directions for hours after a burst water main caused flooding near the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). Firefighters, police officers and Northumbrian Water workers were called to Claremont Road around midday on Sunday.
Closure and Response
The road was shut from Barras Bridge to the A189 Grandstand Road (Cow Hill) due to the burst water main. Claremont Road, an important route used by people heading to the RVI, remained flooded for hours. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) confirmed that two fire engines from Newcastle responded to the scene after being called at 12.02pm on Sunday. It is understood a passing fire crew logged the report and remained on scene to assist.
Northumbrian Water Statement
Northumbrian Water said "third party" damage had been caused to the water main but "no impact" had been caused to RVI supplies. A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: "Our teams are currently on site at Claremont Road, near Exhibition Park, following third party damage to a large water main.
"After being made aware of the damage, our teams reacted quickly and currently working on isolating the main in order to stop any further flooding to the area. Some properties in the areas of Jesmond, Elswick and central Newcastle may be experiencing low pressure or no water, however we are aiming to restore this as quickly as possible.
"We can confirm that there has been no impact to supplies at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Traffic management is in place, and due to the location of the burst, traffic in the area is slow - so please allow extra time for travel or plan alternative routes. We would like to thank customers for their patience."
Scene and Aftermath
TWFRS added that a Fire Officer was on scene, alongside other partner agencies. Northumbria Police officers were also on scene. Firefighters and police officers left the area around 3pm, but the road remains closed.
