The second phase of a £5 million project to future-proof water mains has begun on the Isle of Wight today (Monday 26th January).
Southern Water has already replaced more than 4,000 metres of pipes – some dating from the mid-Victorian period – and today started work updating another 1,500m on Horsebridge Hill (Newport) and Elenors Grove (Fishbourne).
Reducing need for emergency works
There have been multiple bursts along the aging mains in the past decade, and the upgrades will reduce the need for emergency works, as well as avoiding interruptions to water supply, and helping cut leakage.
Cowes-Newport
One-way traffic management is now in place from Cowes to Newport (from 26th January) until 17th April.
There is controlled access for buses and emergency services.
Fishbourne-Ryde
The A3054 Elenors Grove will be closed from Fishbourne to Ryde with diversions in place from 2nd February to 10th April.
Letters have been sent to explain plans to affected customers and businesses, and a public drop-in event was held.
The mains replacement programme has been carefully planned around summer holidays and the Island’s event schedule, and was developed in partnership with Island Roads, which provides highway services.
Marshall: Grateful to customers and stakeholders for their support
Nicholas Marshall, Southern Water’s Senior Project Manager, said,
“We know that traffic management is frustrating and would like to assure people that our teams are working to complete these essential upgrades as quickly as possible, while prioritising safety.
“We’ve made good progress on the upgrade programme so far, replacing more than 4km of outdated Island mains, with another 1,500m due from the end of this month. Over the course of 2026 we will replace another 7,000m across the Island, reducing the need for emergency works due to bursts, and interruption to supply.
“We are grateful to customers and stakeholders for their support and patience and will continue to keep them updated on progress.”
News shared by Southern Water press team, in their own words. Ed
