15,000 households in Harrogate, Ripon and surrounding areas will benefit from better water quality in the New Year as a result of work on a major water main in Harrogate.
This £600,000 project will see 400 metres of cast iron water pipe cleaned and given a new lining by Yorkshire Water’s contractors.
Metal scrapers will be inserted into the main and pulled through it.
Then a swab (sponge) will be pulled through to ensure the main is clean and dry. Finally a plastic lining will be sprayed on the inside of the pipe, effectively transforming a Victorian cast iron pipe into a modern plastic one and extending its life.
Cleaning and lining the pipe is the alternative to laying a brand new one, which is not only more costly, but would take around triple the time.
The work, which will be carried out by engineering specialists Balfour Beatty is due to start on Wednesday 2 January. 15,000 households will benefit from improved water quality after the company has finished this project. It will also ensure the pipe has an extra 20 years of service.
To ensure the safety of workers and road users, Cornwall Road will be closed to through traffic for five weeks from just after its junction with Kent Road to just after the junction with Harlow Moor Road.
A clearly-signed diversion route will be in place during the work and access for people who live within the working area will be maintained.
Dave Standish, Project Manager for Yorkshire Water, said:
This essential work will ensure we continue to supply the best quality water to customers in the area.
We recognise that this work will cause some disruption, but we want to reassure local residents and road users that we’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and complete this project as quickly as possible.
We are sorry for any delays to your journeys.
The Cornwall Road project is part of a bigger plan to improve drinking water quality across the area. More than 10km of pipe is being replaced and 6km relined in Harrogate and Knaresborough, whilst in Ripon approximately 9km will be replaced, with the work expected to be completed by the end of the summer 2013.
Balfour Beatty employees will not require access to local properties, and residents are urged to be on their guard against bogus callers.
Genuine employees always carry identification and will not mind waiting outside while this is verified by calling 0845 1 24 24 24.
