Work to upgrade Harrogate’s ageing water mains is finally set to get underway, with Yorkshire Water confirming the first phase of a £1.8 million project will begin on Monday 6th October.
The project, which was delayed earlier this year, will see over 1.2km of old pipework in the town centre replaced with modern, flexible plastic pipes. The new mains are designed to make the water supply more reliable, cut down on leaks, and prevent the bursts that have been causing problems in recent years.
Phase one will focus on the pedestrianised part of Market Place and is due to run until late November. Shoppers and visitors will still be able to get around as foot access will remain open.
However, there will be a short road closure on James Street on 16th November so the newly installed network can be safely connected.
Alex Spivey, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said:
“Since the project was postponed we have been working closely with the council to reschedule, and to make sure that we’re completing the work with as little disruption as possible. We’re really pleased that we’ll be able to start the project in the next couple of weeks – sooner than we’d previously thought.”
Yorkshire Water says the improvements should make a noticeable difference in the town. In the past three years, there have been 10 mains bursts in the project area, each causing disruptive emergency repairs.
Spivey added:
“We completely appreciate that roadworks are disruptive and would like to thank everyone in the area for their patience and understanding. By completing this work, we hope to make emergency roadworks much less likely in the future.”
The Harrogate scheme is one of 21 water mains replacement projects planned in North Yorkshire over the coming year. Together, they will see more than 90 kilometres pf pipework upgraded, with another 26 kilometres scheduled for next year.
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire Water is investing a huge £406m in mains replacement over five years – part of an even bigger £8.3bn programme to upgrade services across the region.
Phase two of the Harrogate works is due to start in the new year.
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