19 August 2009
United Utilities is progressing well with essential repairs to a collapsed sewer in Liverpool.
Engineers began work to replace a badly damaged section of the sewer - situated in Priory Wood - in June.
These repairs, which remain ongoing, are expected to be completed by the end of September.
The water company is also making plans however to begin work lining a 350m section of the existing brick sewer under Priory Wood and St Michael's Train Station to the junction of Southwood Road and Alpass Road.
This stage of work - which will be carried out in two phases and expected to start week commencing August 24 - will result in some parking restrictions in the local area.
Diversions will be put in place however to allow access not only to properties for local residents, but also to the train station for commuters.
Engineers will also need to install a temporary pumping system in order to keep the existing sewer functioning whilst work is ongoing.
The pumps will be positioned at Melly Road and within the confines of a hostel situated on Southwood Road.
The pipes will run to Priory Wood.
The temporary system, which is required until both phases of work are completed, may cause some noise disturbance as the pumps need to be operated 24 hours a day.
Ken Gee, United Utilities' Project Co-ordinator, said: "The first phase of work will be focused around the train station area.
"Although we are planning to start work on August 24 we are in the 'hands of the Gods' to an extent as some sections of our work are weather-dependent, which may cause delays.
"When we are on-site however we would like to advise motorists that there will be restrictions to the carriageway.
"We may also need to close the footpath to pedestrians to preserve safety for the public and for our engineers."
The second phase of work is scheduled to begin in mid-September, where engineers will be moving on to the junction of Melly Road and Southwood Road.
During this phase Southwood Road will be closed to all through traffic from the junction of Alpass Road to the junction of Melly Road to allow for the construction of a new manhole in the area.
The remaining lining work will then be completed.
"We're expecting to have the second phase completed by early October," added Ken.
"We would like to assure customers that we are doing our utmost to deliver these essential repairs whilst minimising disruption as much as possible.
"We would also like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this work may cause and we thank people for their patience.
"As I'm sure many people will understand this is a complex engineering job which has required a lot of planning to ensure the repairs can be carried out safely and efficiently.
"Our team on-site are fully committed to working to the best of their ability under difficult conditions."
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