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Swindon-Haydon End sewer upgrade

We're replacing the full-length of the Haydon End rising main which will follow a new route. This will prevent future bursts and make sure it’s fit to flow for years to come.

Haydon End sewage pumping station and rising main were built in 1995-96. They transfer sewage to the inlet works at the eastern end of Swindon sewage treatment works. Its catchment area has seen significant growth in the years since.

In the last two years, the main has suffered many bursts and the frequency seems to be increasing. A recent study advised a full-length replacement of the main.

When and where we'll be working

We're making good progress in replacing the rising main. However, heavy rainfall over several months has caused flooding and excess groundwater. This has caused a delay in the project with a new estimated completion date of October 2024.


Work will be carried out in two sections. 
The first section will be from the Haydon End sewage pumping station to the north of the railway track. It'll be tunnelled to minimise impact to the local environment.   

The second section will be an open-cut installation. It will follow the route of the old railway line that is now a footpath and cycle way (route 45). This section crosses the river Ray near Barnfield Road. It will be drilled underneath the watercourse and existing properties to Barnfield Road. This will be for the final open cut to tie in the sewage treatment works.

How this may affect you

We’ll do everything we can to minimise any disruptions to you while we work on the main by:  

  • Agreeing the best way to manage traffic with local highway authority when necessary
  •  Letting you know in advance if we’ll be working near your home or property
  • Keeping you informed as work progresses. We'll keep this page updated.

Please be aware that we'll need to close cycle way route 45 this summer for about 12 months. Diversions will be put in place.


This map shows all places where Thames Water teams carry out their works

Diversion cycle route towards town

You can follow the path left into Chicory Close and then the road to the top, where you join Akers Way. Use the Akers Way cycle path to head east all the way to Cheney Manor Road. There you can turn right and follow this quiet street through to the main road.

If you do not wish to cycle on the main road, push your bike on the pavement – this is only a short stretch. Turn right onto the main road and at The Manor pub, take the next left (Bessemer Road). Follow this right onto Surrey Road all the way to Ferndale Road. Cross Ferndale Road and head down the alley onto the green space. 

The path on the right will link you onto the Western Flyer, which you can follow back to Westmead.

For those on foot, it'll be shorter to cut through the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate from Akers Way.

Alternative route to West Swindon

For routes into West Swindon, cross Thamesdown Drive and use the old Purton Road to get to Peatmoor. There are a variety of routes around West Swindon, depending on your destination.

You can download the Swindon cycle map. Alternatively, email Swindon Travel Choices to request a cycle map.

This map shows a diversion cycle route towards Swindon

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the project, call us on 0800 316 9800. Please quote: BB00368945.