This is to allow Estates Services staff and contractors to repair a burst heat main supplying nearby buildings. These buildings (including the Robert Hooke Building and the space occupied by Atmospheric Physics) will have no central heating until this is done.
The road is closed to vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users near where it meets Sherrington Road. The plan was originally to maintain a narrow pedestrian route, but this has proved impossible as the damaged section of pipe is directly beneath the pedestrian area. The footpath will now be closed from Thursday 21 October. This will complicate access to numerous parts of the Science Area. A map showing the scope of the work and the access implications is available.
Sherrington Road is already closed for landscaping works, which are expected to continue until early 2022. This further closure means there is no motor vehicle access from the Parks Road entrance to the other side of the Science Area. There is a narrow path between the back of the Sherrington Building and the University Parks that provides access between the two halves of the Science Area for pedestrians, wheelchair users and dismounted cyclists, but for most people a far better route is via Parks Road and South Parks Road.
We apologise for the inconvenience this unexpected work will cause. Unfortunately, the Science Area is already experiencing high levels of construction traffic due to the landscaping project and other nearby projects, including the construction of the Life and Mind Building, works to Rhodes House, and Reuben College's creation. Those running these projects will do everything they can to minimise risk to passers-by.
Staff and students moving around the area should exercise great care and take note of any warning signs.
