Victoria Avenue Closed as Government Backs Precautionary Move and Pledges Sewage Pump Upgrades

January 2, 2026

The Jersey government has backed the closure of Victoria Avenue as a precautionary public health measure, with ministers confirming urgent work is being planned to address sewage infrastructure problems in the area. In a statement released today, the Minister for Infrastructure and the Environment, Priya Shah, said the government fully supports the decision taken by the Jersey Health Environmental Agency to shut the road. “The Agency has acted responsibly and on expert advice,” she said. “Public safety and environmental protection must always come first.” Sewage pump upgrades planned within days The Minister confirmed that urgent assessments are already underway to identify the cause of contamination affecting the area, with a particular focus on the condition and performance of local sewage pumping infrastructure. According to the statement, the government intends to begin upgrading and reinforcing the affected sewage pumps within the next seven days. The stated aim is to stop the discharge of untreated sewage and prevent further environmental harm. Officials say the work forms part of a wider response to long-standing infrastructure weaknesses that have come under renewed scrutiny in recent weeks. Long-term investment signalled Ms Shah said the current situation reflects historic underinvestment and will require both immediate intervention and sustained long-term investment. “We will keep the public informed as work progresses,” she said, adding that the government is committed to dealing with the issue “transparently, responsibly, and with urgency”. The closure of Victoria Avenue has caused disruption for motorists and pedestrians, but the government insists the move is necessary while investigations and remedial work continue. Wider context The announcement comes amid heightened public concern over sewage discharges around Jersey’s coastline and follows broader investigations into historic infrastructure funding and governance. Environmental groups have welcomed the precautionary approach, while calling for clear timelines and public reporting as repair work begins. Further updates are expected from the Infrastructure and Environment Department as assessments are completed and works get under way.

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