New water mains for Hilton Street

09 August 2010

A major £8 million project to renew Manchester's ageing water mains is continuing this week in the Piccadilly area.

We will start work on Tuesday 10 August on Hilton Street, working between the junctions with Newton Street and Port Street.

Engineers are replacing cast iron water pipes, some dating back over 100 years, which can often cause leaks and bursts, low water pressure and discoloured water.  The new plastic pipes are more durable and flexible and will help improve water quality and reduce leakage.

The work is expected to take a week to complete. The road will not be closed but there may be temporary parking restrictions as work progresses.

John Nock, project manager, explained: "We are coming to the end of Manchester city centre's water mains upgrade.  These were some of our oldest water mains, under some of the region's busiest roads.

"There is never a good time to work in such busy locations, but it is essential work like this that helps us to tackle leakage. We'll do everything we can to keep disruption to an absolute minimum."