07 January 2010
Work to replace old cast-iron water pipes in Southport will get under way in the New Year thanks to United Utilities.
From Friday, January 8 engineers working on behalf of the water company will start to install two new sections of plastic pipe across Scarisbrick New Road.
The first section will be installed at the junction of Chamber Road and the second at the junction of Sefton Street.
The work, which is expected to be completed over the weekend (January 9-10), will see temporary traffic lights in operation to maintain traffic flow and to allow for work to be carried out safely.
Further work will continue from Monday, January 18 to renew existing water pipes from the junction of Scarisbrick New Road, over the roundabout and onto Eastbank.
Due to the location of the existing pipes traffic management will be put in place to close a lane going into Scarisbrick New Road for three days.
Once this section is completed the lane closure will move onto the outbound lane of Scarisbrick New Road for a further two days.
Diversion routes will be clearly signposted and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Henry Bennett, United Utilities' Project Engineer, said: "This is a vital project to replace old and unreliable water pipes - some of which are more than 100 years old.
"The upgrade will reduce the risk of bursts and deliver better water supplies for the area.
"We are returning to work in this area following a break for Christmas and New Year as we did not want to disrupt businesses during their busiest times for trade.
"We would like to apologise in advance however for any short-term inconvenience this work may cause and we thank customers for their patience and understanding."
This work is part of United Utilities' £2.9 billion water quality and environmental improvement programme for 2005-2010.
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