Major water works to take place on Chideock Hill (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Old iron pipes are to be replaced on Chideock Hill

4:46pm Friday 11th January 2013 in News By James Tourgout

MOTORISTS are warned of delays on Chideock Hill when £160,000 replacement work on an old water main takes place.

The scheme to upgrade 550 metres of iron pipes will start on Monday January 14 on the A35 to bring the network up to modern standards.

Wessex Water said that the ageing main experienced frequent bursts and that the work is essential to ensure a reliable supply of water for years to come.

It is expected to be completed within four weeks and will ensure a reliable supply of water for local people for many years to come.

Work during the first three weeks will be carried out under the use of two-way traffic lights which will be manually controlled.

Brian Sheppey, Wessex Water’s project manager for the scheme, said: “Past bursts on this section of water main had led to many people experiencing a loss to their water supply, which is not acceptable.

"We will do all we can to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.

“However due to the work being carried out on a main road it is inevitable that it will cause some disturbance to local people and motorists.

"Our staff will work extended hours throughout the week and over the weekends to ensure it is completed as quickly as possible."

Due to a section of work being carried out on a steep incline, within a crawler lane, a lane closure will be in place between 7.30am to 7.30pm during the last week to maintain safety. 

Mr Sheppey said: “We have written to local people who may be affected by the work and would like to thank people in advance for their patience while work is carried out.”

Wessex Water said that staff would work extended hours, seven days a week, and added that traffic lights will be manually controlled at all times and queue-spotters will be on hand to help manage traffic.