A mammoth £11 million pound water network upgrade by South East Water across Hampshire is on the verge of completion.
The water company has installed more than 11 kilometres of pipe between Fleet and Odiham to increase the capacity of its network and futureproof tap water supplies.
Having started pipe installation work in the summer of 2021, teams of engineering, environmental and construction experts overcame a series of hurdles to lay the new water main.
Matthew Cooper, Project Manager, said:
“This project has been one of the company’s most challenging engineering schemes and I am delighted to have reached the point where all the pipe is now in the ground on schedule.
“Projects of this nature require exquisite planning so we can strike a balance between keeping the community safe through complex traffic management methods, protecting the local environment and minimising disruption to local residents.”
Work started in Poland Lane, Odiham and progressed through Bagwell Lane and various roads around the village of Winchfield.
Pipe was also installed beneath the River Hart, through Elvetham Heath and beneath North Hants Golf Club. The new water main also runs along Cove Road in Fleet.
Matthew Cooper continued:
“We know the population in Hampshire is going to grow significantly in the coming years. This pipe will ensure we can protect new and existing water supplies.”
South East Water is now in the process of testing and commissioning various sections of the new pipe to ensure its drinking water can be safely pumped through its pipes.
The water company is anticipating that the project will be complete by mid-April.
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