Arborfield trunk main
We’re upgrading a key section of our clean water network in Arborfield to make your supply more reliable. This work includes replacing around 2.6km of old trunk main with flexible iron pipeline, helping to:
- Reduce leaks
- Lower burst risk
- Improve network resilience
- Support growth in the area
This project is being delivered in partnership with M Group Ltd (Morrison Water Services).
When and where we’ll be working
- Start date: Monday 9 February 2026
- Expected completion: October 2027*
- Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Occasional weekend or night work may be required.
We’ll be working in phases across:
- Bearwood Road
- Barkham Road
- Langley Common Road
*All timings are indicative and may change as the programme progresses.
Phase 1
Highlands Avenue to The Lilacs
Complete
Phase 2
The Lilacs to Barkham Road
- Mid-June to mid-September 2026*
- Road closure with temporary 3-way lights on Barkham Road
Phase 3
Bearwood Road roundabout to Barkham Street roundabout (The Bull Pub)
- Mid-September to mid-December 2026*
- Full closure between both roundabouts
Phase 4
Barkham Street roundabout to bridge connection (east side)
- Early February to late March 2027*
- Continuation of closure with signed diversions in place
Phase 5
Bridge connection (west side) to School Road
- Late March to mid-May 2027*
- Road closure with access managed on site
Phase 6
School Road to Langley Common Road
- Mid-May to late June 2027*
- Road closure to complete final connections
How this may affect you
- Temporary road closures will take place, with clear diversions
- Residents, businesses, and emergency services will still have access
- Parking restrictions may happen along Bearwood Road, Barkham Road, and Langley Common Road
- Bus stops may move or temporarily close, affecting services near The Bull and along Barkham Road
- You might notice more noise and construction vehicles during working hours
- We don’t expect water supply interruptions, but if one occurs, we’ll notify affected customers
- Diversion routes will be clearly marked and coordinated with Wokingham Borough Council
We appreciate your patience as we work to minimise disruption during this essential project.
Techniques we’ll use
This project will be delivered using open-cut excavation within the highway. We’ll also carry out:
- Trial holes
- CCTV surveys
- Environmental assessments
Where required, we'll use acoustic barriers, shielded lighting, and temporary ramps. This will reduce impact on residents and businesses.
Working with the community
We’re working closely with:
- Wokingham Borough Council and Highways
- Barkham and Arborfield Parish Councils
- Arborfield Green Residents’ Association
- Bohunt School, school transport providers, and local nurseries
- Local businesses and residents
We’ll continue to share updates and work with councillors, schools, businesses and community groups. Our teams will also carry out regular customer site audits to help keep the area safe and accessible.
Customer support
Support available for residents and businesses.
Priority Services Register
If you’re a vulnerable customer or require additional support, you can register for our free Priority Services.
Business loss of profits policy
We’ll do all we can to reduce disruption while we work. But we understand your business may sometimes be affected.
Emergency services water supply
Let us know if your property has emergency systems connected to the water main. For example, sprinklers or misting systems. These may not appear on our records due to their age.
Call us on 0800 316 9800, quoting reference BB01068603
Get in touch
If you have any questions or concerns about the work:
- Call us on 0800 316 9800, select option 1
- Or email: customer.feedback@thameswater.co.uk
Please quote reference number BB01068603.
You can also speak directly to our on-site manager during working hours. Our teams will be wearing Thames Water–branded clothing for easy identification.