Essex & Suffolk Water is carrying out the work to improve the drinking water supply network in the area by replacing existing mains, which will improve reliability and safeguard supplies for many years to come.
This is an essential scheme as the existing water main in the area has weakened in recent years, and has become more prone to bursts. This leads to unplanned interruptions to supply, leakage and inconvenience to local shops and general public as a result of more regular roadworks.
The installation technique identified as best suited to replace the water main in situ is ‘pipe-bursting′. This method is far less disruptive than the more traditional open trenching method, but is more intense over a short period.
The location of the works is on Spa Road, from the roundabout at The Spa Public House, for a distance of 350 metres along to Station Road.
Following discussions with Essex County Council it has been agreed that the works will take place during the summer holidays when traffic numbers are normally lower.
While this essential work is taking place a lane closure will be necessary to protect the engineers and the public throughout the duration of this work.
While work is taking place there may be times when water supplies to properties on Spa Road will be interrupted for a period of up to three hours, but at least 48 hours′ notice will be provided to residents if this is required.
There may also be other water supply interruptions of less than 30 minutes, and advanced notice of these will be provided before they take place.
Daren Still, Project Manager for Essex & Suffolk Water said: "This mains renewal project is part of our multi-million pound investment programme into the water infrastructure in the region. This essential upgrade work will help to reduce unplanned interruptions to supply for our customers and make sure we have secure and reliable supplies of water in future."
"I′d like to apologise in advance for any disruption caused and to thank communities and our customers for the co-operation while we carry out this vital work. We are writing to all residents and visiting the commercial properties and shops situated within the length of the Spa Road works in advance, and will have dedicated support available should customers or businesses on Spa Road need to get in touch with us during this time."
Essex & Suffolk Water will on average invest £45 million on essential improvements each year from 2015 to 2020 - a total of £225 million over the five years.
Further updates on the progress of the works will be available on the Essex & Suffolk Water website: www.eswater.co.uk and through Twitter @eswater_care.
For more information please contact Sophie Saunders on 01268 664938.