Inspiring future engineers
Pupils from Eccleston Lane Ends Primary School in St Helens swapped the classroom for a real-life engineering experience when they learned about the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme, with part of the pipeline upgrade taking place on their school playing fields.
Dressed in hi-vis vests and hard-hats, the children got a taste of life on site as they learned about safety, met engineers from the project team and discovered how major infrastructure projects are delivered. They also gained first-hand insight into how the upgrade will help secure drinking water supplies and benefit their community for future generations.
The Vyrnwy Aqueduct carries drinking water from Lake Vyrnwy in Wales to around one million customers across Cheshire and Merseyside. As part of a £260m investment, 110km of drinking water pipes are being upgraded through the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme, which began in 2023 and is due for completion in 2028.