Anglian Water’s @one Alliance is replacing three kilometres of water pipes between Upper Staploe and Eaton Socon to ensure that supplies are safe and reliable for decades to come.

The work started earlier this year and is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

The team are using a technique called directional drilling which is enabling them to insert the new pipes underneath the A1 without having to dig up or close the road. This has eliminated any disruption for thousands of road users and reduces the water company’s carbon footprint as a result.

Anglian Water sends nearly a billion litres of clean and healthy drinking water to its customers every day, and infrastructure like this needs maintenance and investment after a period of time to ensure taps can keep running for customers over the next few decades.

Around three kilometres of pipes between Upper Staploe and Eaton Socon have reached the end of their useful life, which can lead to bursts, low pressure and interruptions to supplies.

Once the pipes are installed, they will need to be connected into the existing water network. To do this, the work will take place at night to minimise any disruption to resident’s supplies. Residents will be notified of this prior to the work taking place.

Michael Smith, Customer Co-Ordinator for the project said: “We operate in the driest region of the country, but the East of England is also one of the fastest growing areas, and we need to ensure there’s enough water for everyone while also protecting the environment.

“As part of our Water Resources Management Plan, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone in the region has a resilient supply of the highest-quality drinking water. This project will ensure that we can keep taps running and toilets flushing for the future for residents in Upper Staploe and the surrounding area.”

In order for this work to happen, some traffic management will need to be in place to ensure the safety of staff and members of the public. There will be a road closure on Bushmead Road, Cadburys Lane and Lower Honeydon Lane from 10 June until 26 July.

Further information and regular updates are available here: anglianwaterproject.com/UpperStaploe.