United Utilities’ (UU) work to upgrade the 68-mile-long Vyrnwy Aqueduct, which involves cleaning and sliding new one-metre wide plastic pipes inside existing ones, began back in 2023.
Around 40 per cent of the route south of Malpas is complete, and work in the Tarporley area, which has led to several road closures, is already well underway.
Now, work on the aqueduct passing beneath parts of Delamere is set to begin, which involves a 10-week road closure on Delamere Road in Hatchmere for major groundworks.
This work will involve re-routing a 120m section of the pipeline, though UU has confirmed water supply to homes and business will not be affected.
This phase of the project will soon see groundworks in the Kingsley, Frodsham, Sutton Weaver, and Runcorn areas.
Further disruption and roadworks are expected in the coming months, and with this in mind, United Utilities has set up five meetings with residents who believe they may be affected.
Speaking of the upcoming meetings, a UU spokesman said: “Residents in Delamere, Hatchmere, and Frodsham can find out about latest phases of work which are due to be carried out on the Vyrnwy Aqueduct, which will help to safeguard water supplies for decades to come.
“Works to relocate 120m of pipe on the junction of Blakemere Lane, Delamere Road, Ashton Road, and School Lane will start on Monday, March 30.
“Customer water supplies will remain uninterrupted while the work is carried out, and pedestrian access will remain in place throughout the works.
“A clear diversion route for traffic has been advertised.”
Details of the upcoming meetings are as follows:
The Carriers Inn, Delamere Road, Hatchmere, WA6 6NL
Tuesday, March 17, between 4pm and 6pm
Tuesday, May 5, between 4pm and 6pm
NCK Centre, Norley Road, Norley, Frodsham, WA6 8NE
Tuesday, April 21, between 2pm and 4pm
Delamere and Oakmere Community Centre, Station Road, CW8 2HU
Tuesday, April 28, between 5pm and 7pm
To offset the disruption, UU says it has been working closely with Delamere Community Association to support local investment by carrying out upgrades to the community centre car park.
It has also been helping with spring bulb planting, new community signage, and sponsorship for charity events.
Its spokesman added: “While the works continue, environmental improvements will also be delivered in partnership with Bowyer’s Waste, which will include vegetation chipping and drainage improvements.”