Roadwork Rage (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Roadwork Rage

2:01pm Sunday 14th February 2010 in

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Over the last few months, the citizens of Richmond have become very irritated with one particular thing: the endless roadworks throughout the area. Once one set of works are completed, another will appear, blocking up traffic and generally causing much disruption. It is a subject that many ignore, branding it as "boring" or “necessary”. However, if you are trapped in a roadwork-induced traffic jam, you suddenly care. One stressed mother, with children at local R.C. primary school, St Elizabeth’s told of the problems that the works have caused her: “The traffic now is unbelievable. Sometimes you are left feeling so helpless. The best thing to do is to walk. At least now I’m getting more exercise!”

The problem is that these roadworks are necessary.

The roads still contain the old, Victorian water pipes and as they are wearing out, they must be replaced.

Only recently, a pipe near central Richmond collapsed and the road was immediately closed, in order to replace it. Unfortunately this has caused all the more problems. Commuters and school children are arriving late to work and school, and those who do not live within walking distance have no choice but to get up a few hours earlier in an attempt to arrive on time.

The chances are that this is a problem which will continue for a long time to come, and those who are affected will just have to be patient and put up with this needed, but inconvenient necessity.