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Writer's pictureSafer Highways

New scheme will aim to stop drivers getting stranded on Britain's most flooded road.


A1101 Welney Wash Road set to benefit from new technology aiming to stop drivers getting stranded


It is known as Britain’s ‘most flooded road’ – a stretch less than one mile long that spent 89 days under water last year.


But soon this notorious route will benefit from new technology which aims to help stop drivers from taking risks and getting stranded.



Welney Wash Road, a causeway sitting on the Ouse washes at the Norfolk and Cambridge border, is renowned for being frequently submerged by floodwater.


When shut, it means people must travel on a lengthy 22-mile diversion to reach either side of it.

This means drivers are frequently putting themselves at risk by attempting to cross it even though river levels are too high, resulting in cars and HGVs becoming stuck and having to be rescued.


The new scheme being rolled out by County Hall hopes to give people wishing to use the route a better idea of whether it is safe to do so through using “innovative” technology.


Engineers are due to install electronic signs in the area to help give up-to-date warnings.


These signs will be activated if river levels are too high, with Environment Agency sensors monitoring the height of water.


If successful, it is hoped the technology can be brought in at other problem-roads, if funding can be found.


The project comes as Norfolk’s agencies prepare for what could be one of the worst winters for flooding in memory, with a wet summer keeping water levels high.


Alex Cliff, highway network and digital innovation manager at Norfolk County Council, announced the project at a meeting of leading figures involved in the county’s flood preparations.


He said: “This causeway is an important flood defence system that protects more than 10,000 homes in Norfolk and Cambridge in places like Downham Market, Ely and Littleport.

“Currently, vehicles are still getting stranded when they try to cross it.

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