A27 in Chichester remains closed following massive gas leak
Drivers are being told to find alternative routes
Last updated 2nd Feb 2021
Drivers have been told to avoid part of the A27 in Chichester, which remains closed on Tuesday morning (February 2nd) following a massive gas leak.
Police shut the stretch between the Bognor Road and Portfield roundabouts after the leak was first reported close to the Oving crossroads at around 4pm on Monday (February 1st).
The road remains closed between the junction of the A285 at Portfield Way and the junction of the A259, with the B2144 Oving Way also being closed.
Southern Gas Networks teams have been at the site overnight carrying out emergency repairs, and have said the pipe involved was damaged 'by a third party'.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, SGN said they had found the source of the leak and brought it under control.
Work is now underway to fix the pipe.
An SGN spokesperson added:
"We've received several reports of a smell of gas in the area and we'd recommend that anyone who can smell gas contacts the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
"The A27 remains closed in both directions between Oving Road and Bognor Road for everyone's safety while our engineers make the required repairs. A signed diversion is in place for affected motorists.
"We'd advise motorists to allow extra time for your journeys throughout Tuesday and consider planning alternative routes while the road is shut.
"As always, we'd recommend that anyone who can smell gas contacts the National Gas Emergency Service.
"This is a complex repair that requires specialist equipment, but our engineers are working as quickly and safely as possible to fix the damage to our network along the A27."
West Sussex Fire and Rescue teams from the city, Midhurst and Arundel have also been called to the scene.
Speaking on Monday, a West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:
"We are currently attending as part of a multi-agency response a gas leak which has caused the closure of the A27 in both directions in Chichester, between the Bognor Road roundabout and the Oving Crossroads.
"Anyone living nearby is advised to stay inside and keep doors and windows closed and people should avoid the area.
"Gas engineers are on the scene working to fix the issue.”