Major water main works to begin between Halfway Bridge and Graffham

Southern Water is preparing to replace more than eight kilometres of ageing water mains between Halfway Bridge and Graffham, in a major upgrade aimed at reducing leaks, bursts and supply interruptions.

The project, part of the company’s wider Water Main Renewals programme, will renew underground pipes running from the Selham Road junction through to Graffham, with additional branches serving Hoyle Farm, Eastwood Farm, Topleigh Road and Woodcote Lane.

Southern Water says the existing mains have a history of failures and are at increasing risk of bursts and supplying discoloured water.

A timeframe for the work hasn’t yet been set; however, temporary work areas will move along the route in phases, with access for residents, farms, emergency services and Public Rights of Way maintained “wherever reasonably practicable,” according to the plans.

The scheme will replace old pipes with modern polyethene mains, along with new valves, hydrants and washouts. Redundant sections will be decommissioned, and Southern Water says it will reinstate all temporary work sites to their original condition once construction is complete.

United Infrastructure, the contractor delivering the works, will operate a small rolling compound that moves with each phase of construction.

The works are expected to take place in stages, with residents along the route notified ahead of each phase.