Thames Water lays new pipelines to protect supply from bursts and leaks
More than 1.5 km of new water pipes will be installed in London to protect residents from disruptive bursts.
The £4.5 million (€5.3 million) project will see Thames Water working alongside gas company SGN to install pipes between 16 and 22 inches in diameter in Lewisham borough, strengthening the local network and preventing future leaks and bursts.
The two companies have been working with the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Team, the London boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich and Transport for London to deliver the project collaboratively with the aim of reducing disruption for local residents.
The entire project is expected to be completed by November.
As part of an innovative “dig-once” approach, the water pipe replacement works will be carried out simultaneously as SGN replaces existing metal gas mains and services with modern plastic pipes, saving 14 days of disruption for residents and businesses.
Last year, Thames Water announced London’s Victorian water network is set to receive a major overhaul to increase water resilience thanks to a £300 million contribution (€358 million) from Thames Water’s owners.
Kieran Ingram, Thames Water’s head of water networks, said: “A key part of our company turnaround plan is fixing the basics, and this important project will help us protect the water supply of thousands of Londoners for the future.
“By working collaboratively with SGN and digging just once for both water and gas works, we hope to reduce disruption for residents and motorists, saving an extra two weeks of work.
“As London’s population continues to grow and we deal with the impact of climate change, it’s more important than ever that we look after our water networks and ensure as much water as possible makes it to where it is needed.
“This work will ensure we have a robust water network in the area and allow us to continue providing a reliable water supply to our customers.”
Neil Baxter, stakeholder and collaboration projects manager at SGN, added: “We’ve worked closely with Thames Water and the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.
“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means once the work has been completed, Lewisham homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come."
The £4.5 million (€5.3 million) project will see Thames Water working alongside gas company SGN to install pipes between 16 and 22 inches in diameter in Lewisham borough, strengthening the local network and preventing future leaks and bursts.
The two companies have been working with the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Team, the London boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich and Transport for London to deliver the project collaboratively with the aim of reducing disruption for local residents.
The entire project is expected to be completed by November.
As part of an innovative “dig-once” approach, the water pipe replacement works will be carried out simultaneously as SGN replaces existing metal gas mains and services with modern plastic pipes, saving 14 days of disruption for residents and businesses.
Last year, Thames Water announced London’s Victorian water network is set to receive a major overhaul to increase water resilience thanks to a £300 million contribution (€358 million) from Thames Water’s owners.
Kieran Ingram, Thames Water’s head of water networks, said: “A key part of our company turnaround plan is fixing the basics, and this important project will help us protect the water supply of thousands of Londoners for the future.
“By working collaboratively with SGN and digging just once for both water and gas works, we hope to reduce disruption for residents and motorists, saving an extra two weeks of work.
“As London’s population continues to grow and we deal with the impact of climate change, it’s more important than ever that we look after our water networks and ensure as much water as possible makes it to where it is needed.
“This work will ensure we have a robust water network in the area and allow us to continue providing a reliable water supply to our customers.”
Neil Baxter, stakeholder and collaboration projects manager at SGN, added: “We’ve worked closely with Thames Water and the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.
“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means once the work has been completed, Lewisham homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come."
