As part of an ongoing programme to improve our water supply network, we have completed a £260,000 project to install 550 metres of water main in Lewes Road, Uckfield. The new pipe is helping to maintain water pressure for customers as a result of increased demand.
The installation took place within Lewes Road, between Little Horsted roundabout and the junction between Lewes Road and New Road.
Work started on 6 June and the project completed on 24 October 2022.
FAQs
We do all we can to minimise disruption to motorists and 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 this case, as a safety precaution for pedestrians, motorists and our workforce, we will need to close Lewes Road to through traffic only to undertake these works from 6 June to 23 October. Advanced warning signs will be in place along the road before it is closed.
To minimise disruption, the work will be carried out in phases as detailed above, with the road being returned to its original state upon completion of one section before the working area moves along to the next stage.
When creating a diversion, we are required to offer a route which follows the same class of road we are closing. As Lewes Road is a C road, the diversion needs to follow other C roads or above.
We are aware that local residents may know quicker ways to navigate around a diversion route. However, we do not encourage this, again for safety.
The diversion route has been agreed with the local Highways authority and will be clearly signed for the duration of the scheme.
In advance of work starting, all local bus companies are presented with the project plans.
It is then up to the bus company to understand what impact the work will have on their services and provide alternatives. We do not influence their decision and are unable to provide a solution for them.
As with all of our roadworks, we will always maintain access for emergency services.
Likewise with bus companies, the emergency services are briefed well in advance of any roadworks and are adept at making their own arrangements to find alternative routes. This is common practice.
Access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times, however there may be a short wait if we are working in front of your property and access to businesses may be via the diversion routes or from one end of the works.
Bin collections and postal deliveries will still be able to access properties for the duration of our work, they will need to follow the diversion routes as signposted throughout.
As the work will require connections to the existing network, there will be a short interruption in supply. We will notify you well in advance when this is due to happen.
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 here.
This page 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 Customer Technical Centre on 0330 000 1100 or email us at customerservices@southeastwater.co.uk
To register for free text or email updates about work in your area, visit inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater
Project Updates
Monday, 24 October 2022
13:32 PM
Work completes
Work to lay the new water main in Lewes Road is now complete and the road returned to its original condition. We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation while this important work took place.
Monday, 17 October 2022
07:47 AM
All new main has now tested and all services have been transferred. This week, we’ll be returning the site to its original condition and the final pieces work will be undertaken in private land to complete the scheme.
Tuesday, 4 October 2022
13:56 PM
We pleased to say that all 550m of new water main has now been laid. While testing of the new pipeline is undertaken this week, we’re starting to excavate to enable services to be transferred to the new main.
Wednesday, 14 September 2022
13:52 PM
We've now laid 412m of new pipe and work continues in line with our programme having made key connection to our existing network.
Monday, 29 August 2022
12:57 PM
Phase Three
We’ve now moved on to phase three of this project, having completed testing on the pipework laid during phase two. We’ve also prepared and excavated ready to connect to the existing main supplying the Taylor Wimpey development.
Monday, 8 August 2022
10:39 AM
Phase two starts
Connections have been completed and we start phase two today. We’ll be laying 245 metres of main using horizontal directional drilling, following successful excavation of the required pits last week.
Monday, 1 August 2022
15:22 PM
Phase Two Prepared
Phase two of our project has been prepared for horizontal directional drilling, a technique that requires two holes to be dug out and the pipe pulled through. The two holes for this will be excavated on 4 August.
Tuesday, 26 July 2022
14:04 PM
Moving to Phase 2
We’ve now completed phase one of this project. So far, we've laid 162m of pipework and we're now moving on to phase two. This is likely to change the route you need to take to access your property.
Monday, 18 July 2022
09:22 AM
Hot weather
There may be times over the coming days when you may see our teams working a little differently. With record breaking hot temperatures forecast, we are advising our teams to be mindful of the conditions, seek shade as and when necessary, or close the site early if conditions become too severe to undertake physical work. We appreciate your patience and assure you the teams will be back on site as normal as soon as possible.
Monday, 6 June 2022
08:00 AM
Project Start
We have started work on a £260,000 project to install 550 metres of water main in Lewes Road, Uckfield.
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