TRAFFIC bosses have confirmed the road closure in Lye High Street will be in place until next Wednesday (December 18).

The road has been closed to traffic due to enable repairs to be carried out to a collapsed sewer system which has been causing significant flooding and damage to properties.

Highways chiefs, however, have now said that when the area was excavated it was determined that in addition to the collapse in the sewer - located around 2.8 metres deep - multiple other blockages and a void have been identified, measuring more than eight metres long.

The discovery means extensive additional works are required by Severn Trent Water to undertake repairs and ensure the highway is correctly reinstated to accommodate traffic again.

A diversion route will be in place, starting significantly ahead of the works site, and traffic heading from Halesowen/Colley Gate areas towards Lye will be diverted via the A458 Windmill Hill, Two Gates Lane, Two Gates, Oldnall Road, Brook Holloway, Wollescote Road, A4036 Grange Lane and A4036 Pedmore Road. Lye High Street can then be reached via Lye by-pass (A458).

Warning signs will be in place at the junctions of all side roads joining the A458 reminding motorists to follow the diversion route.

Senior technician Richard Milburn said the traffic island at the junction of Wollescote Road and Grange Lane would be monitored and Severn Trent Water have agreed to install manually controlled signals at the junction to help alleviate traffic, if required.

Highways bosses say motorists will be advised as soon as the road is re-opened.