27 March 2025
The external steel strapping has now been completed, and work is underway to fit the internal
ties, which is expected to be finished in the coming days.
Once in place, this will enable monitoring of any settling or movement next week. Following
this, geotechnical surveys will begin to assess the voids beneath the site. Work remains on
schedule.
We have now collated all relevant information including a upcoming schedule of works here: gov.je. ​
Public impact
We recognise the disruption the closure continues to cause for commuters and local
businesses.
Currently, there are only two major road closures in St Helier: Rouge Bouillon, due to the
structural issues caused by a burst water main, and Colomberie, where emergency work is
being carried out by Island Energy.
The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse
have been mitigated.
Routes and safety assurance
We urge both pedestrians and drivers to follow the designated public diversions and avoid
cutting through private land, particularly College Gardens.
These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all road users and residents.
Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as
investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water
main.
We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure however, the
decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors:
- reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians
- allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe
traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory
- reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction
changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns.
We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to
access town where possible.
Background and plan
The situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls & buildings that are severely cracked
and have been subject to significant movement following a burst watermain. The property and
external walls were rendered unsafe with voids created under the structures. Multiple parties
are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment (I&E), Jersey Water, structural engineers,
building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies.
The team of professionals, working on behalf of the property owners and their insurance
companies, has devised a plan to stabilise the property and then demolish the external walls.
Step 1: a Contractor working on behalf of the owner of 28 Clarendon Road will install
steel strapping around the building.
Step 2: the structural engineers, assisted by geotechnical engineers will investigate soil
conditions under the foundations.
Step 3: the external structures and boundary walls will be demolished.
Step 4: re-open Rouge Bouillon once it has been determined that it is safe to do so.
The project remains under constant review to ensure the best and safest outcome.
Next steps
A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days.​
gov.je