Manor Road bridge improvements
The Greenway public footpath at Manor Road will be closed from September 2024 for 18 months. This is for public safety while we carry out repair work to a major pipeline in this area.
These improvements will ensure successful delivery of water services for millions of customers.
What we're doing
We're carrying out vital repairs to the Northern Outfall Sewer (NOS). The NOS runs from Wick Lane in Bow to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works and serves over five million people.
At Manor Road, the NOS is supported by bridges crossing the Jubilee Line, DLR, and the A1011 public highway. The bridge structures need repair to meet the needs of London's growing population. The upgrade works will extend their lifespan by a further 120 years.
Find out more about the history of this giant Victorian sewer.
When and where we'll be working
Work will start at Manor Road, West Ham, from 2 September 2024. The work is scheduled for approximately 18 months.
Working hours will be 7.30am - 6pm Monday to Friday. This includes an hour either side for site set up and close down. Occasionally the team may be required to work 8am - 1pm on Saturdays.
How this will affect you
The Greenway public footpath and cycleway runs over the NOS. For public safety, we're closing the Greenway between Manor Road and Channelsea Bridge. This will allow us to carry out construction safely. We've agreed the closure with Newham Council and contractor Barhale.
A diversion route between Manor Road and Channelsea Bridge will be in place during the closure. This will provide both stepped and step-free access. In response to public feedback, plans are underway to improve this diversion route.
The diversion route is available for pedestrians and cyclists via:
- Manor Road
- Pond Road
- Richardson Road
- Leywick Street
- Abbey Road
If you prefer not to use Abbey Road, an alternative route is available via Bakers Row and Bridge Road. This takes you directly to Stratford High Street.
An access-only route will be available between Canning Road and Channelsea Bridge. This may need to be shut for short periods so we can safely carry out the works.
There will be no impact to water supply, bus routes or traffic.
The recommended Channelsea diversion will be in place. The Greenway will be closed from Channelsea Bridge to make use of this diversion.
Abbey Road diversion
Bridge Road diversion
The NOS was originally constructed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette in the 1860s. It was expanded in the 1910s and transformed public health in the capital. The NOS helped to end outbreaks of cholera and other water-borne diseases such as typhoid. It was also instrumental in improving the quality of water in the River Thames.
Each sewer is 2.7metres in diameter – large enough to drive a transit van through. Wastewater flows through the pipes at a rate of up to 20,000 litres per second. This could fill an Olympic size swimming pool in 2 minutes!
We're now the custodians of this incredible Victorian infrastructure. It's our responsibility to make sure it's resilient to the pressures of modern day. This includes climate change and population growth.
Get in touch
We'll be providing ongoing updates throughout the project.
Do you want to learn more about the Northern Outfall Sewers or the history of Thames Water? Please let us know and we’d be thrilled to be part of an event with charities, schools or local organisations.
For any enquiries call 0800 316 9800 or email customer.feedback@thameswater.co.uk. Please quote the scheme number BB00472913.