Sewer strengthening project reaches final phase

A £4m project to strengthen a sewer network has reached its final phase, a water operator has announced.

The scheme involves Southern Water's teams relining more than 500m (1,640ft) of sewer at Ashurst Bridge near Totton, Hampshire, to reduce bursts.

The company has carried out investigations to assess the issues caused by the sewer bursts over the last five years. The final phase will last three weeks.

George Taylor, director of wastewater networks, said it represented a "significant milestone in delivering a more robust and reliable sewer network for this Hampshire community".

Southern Water said it had worked on a long-term solution to prevent the pressurised sewer, also known as a rising main, from bursting.

Customers have been told that during the latest phase of works on Ashurst Bridge Road and Bull Copse Road there will be an increase in tankers in the area.

The utility provider said about 30 to 40 tankers have been employed to "manage flows safely while the sewer is taken offline".

Taylor added: "The additional investment and lining work will provide long-term protection against bursts and ensure the system is fit for the future.

"We know the presence of tankers can be inconvenient, and we appreciate customers' understanding as we complete this vital work."

Southern Water said that further work to alleviate issues in the area would take place over the next two years.

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