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Pier Road to reopen nearly 18 months after explosion tragedy

Pier Road to reopen nearly 18 months after explosion tragedy

Thursday 04 April 2024

Pier Road to reopen nearly 18 months after explosion tragedy

Thursday 04 April 2024


The road where an explosion that claimed the lives of 10 islanders took place is due to reopen by next month, it has been confirmed.

The road has been closed from the junction with South Hill to Mount Bingham, following the tragedy at Haut du Mont flats on 10 December 2022, which forced more than 40 others to leave their homes.

In September, an order was signed allowing for the demolition of the most severely damaged blocks of flats left standing.

Now, the Government says that the reopening of the road is imminent but that it will not make a formal announcement about the date until it has contacted families bereaved and displaced by the disaster.

Responding to a written States question from former Housing Minister David Warr, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan also confirmed that proposals were being considered for the re-use of the site for housing and for a memorial to those who died.

The previous Minister, Tom Binet, had previously explored whether the road should be closed permanently.

haut_du_mont_memorial.jpeg

Pictured: There is currently a temporary memorial at Mount Bingham – a decision on the form of a permanent memorial will be taken in conjunction with the bereaved families, displaced residents and the wider community.

However, Andy Jehan said this week that it was his intention to look at reopening the road by 10 May as the island needed a “fully functioning highway network”.

“We are currently undertaking practical assessments on the road surface and the hoarding of the site.

"We will only announce [the] change once we have engaged with the bereaved families and those displaced.

“Once that has been undertaken, I will update the Deputy and the Assembly on how we intend to proceed,” Mr Jehan said.

READ MORE...

Memorial garden and housing "likely" to feature at Haut du Mont site

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