Key facts
Location: Birling Road, Leybourne Chase
Work: Installing 20 metres of water main
Restarting: Monday 7 April
Duration: Approx. three weeks
Investment: £115,000
What work are we doing?
Work is about to restart work to install around 20 metres of new water main in Birling Road, Leybourne Chase. By laying this new main we’ll be able to provide the community with higher quality drinking water.
How long will this project take?
We completed the first phase of work in September 2025 and will be returning to the site on Monday 7 April 2026 to complete the work. We expect this to take around three weeks, but we’ll aim to complete this work sooner if possible.
Will the road be closed?
This work will require us to close Birling Road, between the junctions of Bannister Way and Bull Road as we did on the first stage of the project last year.
The diversion route, pictured here, will take motorists through Leybourne Chase, down to the A20 and on to the A228.
Project Timeline
Thursday, 9 October 2025
09:40 AM
Project update
We will be looking to return to Birling Road in the new year to complete the final stages of this project. We are currently collaborating with Kent Highways to ensure the work can take place as safely and efficiently as possible whilst causing minimal disruption.
We will update this webpage when we have a confirmed date and send out letters to customers that may be impacted by the work closer to the time.
Friday, 19 September 2025
09:40 AM
First phase complete
We have now completed the first stage of our project on Birling Road. Please check back on this webpage for updates about the when work will resume.
Thursday, 4 September 2025
15:38 PM
Project update
We’re very sorry to our customers in the West Malling area that have been inconvenienced by this road closure.
Unfortunately, due to some unexpected complications, we need to extend the duration of this project by around two weeks.
We will aim to get the remaining work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Monday, 11 August 2025
08:00 AM
Project update
Work has now begun on our project on Birling Road, West Malling.
We expect the work to take around three weeks to complete.
We will update this webpage regularly throughout the project.
We do all we can to minimise disruption to the community when laying new water mains and always look to install pipes in locations which will cause the least disruption, such as grass verges and when in a road, as close to the verge as possible.
In the case of this Birling Road project, residents and businesses will still be able to access their property, but our team may have to make the working area safe to cross. This may mean waiting while the team does this.
We will shut the section of road that the team is working on, this means the direction you enter your property may not be your usual route, or may change as we move along the road. The diversion route will be signposted for the duration of the work and will be available on this webpage.
As with all our roadworks, we always maintain access for emergency services. Emergency services are briefed well in advance. Our team will work as quickly as possible to make working areas safe for emergency vehicles to cross.
Bin collections and postal deliveries will still be able to access properties for the duration of our work. We advise of these services of our works and it is up to these providers to ensure that their services can continue during our works. Our on-site team will work with providers.
As the work will require connections to the existing network, there will be a short interruption in supply. We will notify you in advance when this is due to happen if you are impacted by this.
Customers with additional needs be it a disability, mental health or financial concerns can sign up to our Priority Services Register to help us understand how we can help you. More information can be found at southeastwater.co.uk/priority
This dedicated scheme webpage will be updated as work progresses, but if you have any concerns during the work, the staff on site will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to speak to us direct, please call our advisors on 0333 000 0002 or email us at customerservices@southeastwater.co.uk
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