Water upgrade reaches new phase
The next phase of a £2.9 million United Utilities scheme to improve the quality of tap water for shops and businesses in Liverpool is set to get under way during the summer holidays.
As part of the next stage of the scheme to replace around 40km of largely Victorian mains, engineers will move to Hanover Street in the city centre.
After reviewing the scheme, the company has been able to limit its work in the street to four weeks, rather than the expected four months.
Peter Dalton, United Utilities programme manager, said:
"These water mains have served the city well over the last 100 years or so, but now they need bringing into the 21st century.
"The good news is that thanks to this important scheme customers - and visitors to Liverpool - will soon be able to enjoy some of the best quality drinking water in Europe.
"Inevitably any work in a city centre is going to cause some disruption, but we have looked at our wider programme of works taking place and are confident we can now finish the job in Hanover in four weeks."
United Utilities has been in discussions with Liverpool City Council - which is co-ordinating all the development work taking place across the city - to ensure the mains work causes the least possible disruption for shoppers and traders.
The next phase of the investment scheme begins on 30th July and is due to be completed in early September 2006.
During the work it will be necessary to close Hanover Street to all through traffic until 25th August. Temporary traffic signals will be used for the remainder of the scheme.
Peter added:
"We have worked closely with council to minimise disruption and have timed our work in the street to coincide with the quieter summer holiday period."
There are a number of utilities companies and developers who need to carry out work in this area, and Liverpool City Council will be approving and co-ordinating the need for any traffic diversions and road closures associated with these works.