Major pipe rupture forces closure and diversions
A large 21in (53cm) water main failed in York on Sunday evening, flooding several streets and causing significant damage to the carriageway on Salisbury Terrace. The road remains closed while Yorkshire Water repairs the main and reinstates the damaged surface. Access to properties is being maintained via Lincoln Street, with temporary access to Balfour Street arranged through Swinnerton Avenue, the company said.
Emergency responders were called at around 19:30 BST on Sunday. North Yorkshire Police supported residents and managed traffic in the area, where some roads were impassable at the height of the incident. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS) said crews pumped out the basement of a public house and installed measures to stop water entering another affected property. NYFRS reported flooding on Balfour Street, impacting two premises.
"We're working to get everything back to normal as soon as possible."
Damage to road structure and ongoing safety measures
According to Yorkshire Water, the force of the escaping water damaged the tarmac and scoured out material beneath the surface, leaving the road unstable. Separately, a void was observed in the carriageway on Balfour Street, opposite the former Jubilee pub, close to the site of the rupture. City of York Council indicated that diversions are in place and warned that local bus services may be affected while works are underway.
| Location | Status / Access |
|---|---|
| Salisbury Terrace | Closed for repairs to pipe and road |
| Balfour Street | Temporary access via Swinnerton Avenue; void reported |
| Lincoln Street | Route for resident access during closure |
Water supply and what residents should expect
Yorkshire Water advised that properties in the YO24 and YO26 areas could experience no water or low pressure in the aftermath of the burst. As supplies stabilise, some customers may notice discoloured water. The utility says this should clear after running the tap for a few minutes.
- If your water is discoloured on return, run the cold kitchen tap for several minutes until it clears.
- Plan extra time for journeys in the Leeman Road/Clifton area and follow signed diversions.
- Check with your bus operator for any temporary route changes.
Repairs and next steps
Yorkshire Water has set up traffic management and removed bollards on Swinnerton Avenue to facilitate rerouted access to Lincoln Street while crews work on the failed main. The company has not given a completion time but says teams are on site repairing the pipe and reinstating the road.
NYFRS confirmed their attendance from Acomb station and described multiple reports of surface water flooding originating from the damaged main. Police urged drivers to avoid the area on Sunday night, citing impassable stretches of road, and asked people to use alternative routes while emergency works proceed.
Residents and businesses nearest to Salisbury Terrace and Balfour Street are likely to see activity continue over the coming days as the subsurface is assessed and backfilled prior to resurfacing. The priority is to ensure the stability of the carriageway before traffic is allowed back onto Salisbury Terrace.
Yorkshire Water has apologised for the disruption and reiterated that it is focusing on restoring services and safe road access. Further updates on closures, water supply and diversions are expected as the repair progresses.
