Hitches Lane rising main replacement
We're replacing a section of the rising main serving Hitches Lane pumping station between the Fleet Road Railway Bridge and M3.
Laid in the late 1980’s, the pipe is suffering from internal corrosion. This has been causing a number of bursts and leaks.
Please note that details will change as the project progresses. This page was last updated on 5 July 2024.
When and where we'll be working
We'll be working in phases with phase one focused on surveys and designs for the replacement main.
Phase one
We've conducted trial holes in the area to confirm what is below the ground. This includes locating pipes or buried structures, the nature of the subsoil and ground water levels. This way, we can ensure the new main route works.
We expect to confirm the designs in the next few working days.
Then we can begin construction in the next couple of weeks. We'll work on section 3 - marked in blue on the map.
Phase two
You can view our presentation with the key areas of work with proposed start and finish dates for each section. Please note these dates may be subject to move slightly. If there're any significant changes, we'll inform all residents and councillors.
We aim to begin construction on section 3 during the summer. We're still negotiating for approval from the nearby landowners, but we expect to begin construction in the next few weeks. We hope we can complete our works on section 3 by Monday 9 September 2024.
After its completion, we aim to have our connection works completed by the end of January 2025.
How this may affect you
Until we install the new mains, we'll need to keep the large black pipes with the 1.8m high bolted 'Heras' type fences on Elvetham Heath Way / St Switihns Road roundabout. This pipe is currently used to bypass a section of the rising main that has leaks that aren’t self-sealing.
This also means that we won’t be able to reopen Rykmansford Road until the new main is in service.
Our work will require heavy machinery to excavate and lay the pipes. There may be noise during our working hours between 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Our teams may turn up to site earlier to attend safety talks and briefings on the work they're carrying out.
We’ll do all we can to reduce disruption while we work. But we understand your business may sometimes be affected. Learn more about our business loss of profits policy.
Status of leaks and pollution levels
While the leaks are still present, they have been contained since the meeting held on 24 April 2024. A new leak has occurred on Network Rail land close to the Fleet Road Railway Bridge. This has been contained and currently sealed itself, but it's being monitored. Network Rail are aware of this and are working with us to monitor the situation.
There is evidence of additional small leaks in other locations. These are also monitored. We're walking the route of the main twice a week to check for new leaks.
Please report any suspected leaks to us by calling on 0800 316 9800, so that we can investigate further.
The water in the various ponds and watercourses close to the route of the rising main have been tested. No evidence of contamination was found.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about our work, please call us on 0800 316 9800 and quote reference number BB 00633928.