We’re investing £700,000 to replace approximately 900m of ageing, burst-prone water main in Clayhill, Rye. This project forms part of the company’s £433 million investment in infrastructure between 2020 and 2025.
The existing pipeline has suffered 21 bursts within the last five years, resulting in low pressure or no water for residents which is unacceptable to us. To reduce the likelihood of problems occurring in the future, we will be replacing part of the main between the ‘Rose And Crown’ public house and ‘Jasmine Cottage’.
In order to minimise disruption, construction will be carried out in phases. When one section completes the road will be returned to its original state before we move along to the next stage.
As a safety precaution for pedestrians, motorists and our team, we will need to close:
- B2165 - between the junction with B2088 and Beckley Road (27 February – end of July)
- B2088 – east of the junction with B2165 and just past the Rose And Crown public house (End of July – end of August)
- B2165 junction with B2088 (End of August)
Work started on Monday 27 February and is expected to take 26 weeks to complete. Our workforce will work as quickly and as safely as possible to complete the project sooner.
A diversion route, which has been agreed with East Sussex Council, will be clearly signed for the duration of the work.
Diversion routes
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.
Due to the nature of the road and to ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists and our workforce, we need to close the B2165, the B2088 and B2165 junction with the B2088 to through traffic while we carry out the work as detailed above. We are staggering these closures as stated above to minimise disruption. Advanced warning signs will be in place along each section of road before it is closed, and a diversion route has been agreed with the local highways authority.
Work will take place during normal working hours, although there will also be some activities at weekends. Our team will work as quickly and as safely as possible.
When creating a diversion, we are required to offer a route which follows the same class of road we are closing. As we are closing B roads, the diversion needs to follow other B 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 at southeastwater.co.uk/priority.
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 0333 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
Thursday, 21 September 2023
07:50 AM
Project completed
We’re pleased to say that we have now completed this project. Thank you for your patience while we carried out this vital work. We will soon be clearing our compound in private land.
Monday, 4 September 2023
14:29 PM
Nearing completion
We’re pleased to say that all work within the road has now been completed, and the closure has been lifted. We still have some work to complete within private land to return the site to its original condition before we clear our compound.
Monday, 14 August 2023
12:10 PM
Project update
Our teams working to lay the new pipeline have now installed a total of 827 metres and transferred a further 10 customer services onto the new main. This week the gang will continue working in the B2088 where they will undertake two connections to our existing network.
Tuesday, 8 August 2023
11:00 AM
Project update
Work is continuing in the second phase of the project, with a road closure in place east of the junction with the B2165 and just past the Rose and Crown public house.
So far, 72 metres of main has been installed in this phase of the project, with work underway to prepare for connections to our existing network.
Monday, 24 July 2023
09:24 AM
We’re pleased to say we have now laid 755m of new water main and are now working on the B2088 section of the project. Unfortunately, due to a number of unexpected issues, we still need to connect a small number of properties along the B2165, and these will be completed as soon as possible.
Wednesday, 17 May 2023
09:03 AM
We’ve now laid a total of 561 metres to date, with 525m having now been tested. We’re preparing to transfer 12 customer services to this new main.
Monday, 20 March 2023
14:56 PM
Work is progressing steadily, with 111m of new main now laid.
Monday, 13 March 2023
14:56 PM
A change to original plans
We’ve had to amend our approach to laying this pipeline due to congestion of other utilities in the road. We will now be starting work approximately 290m west of Watermill Lane and working our way towards the B2088.
A physical barrier to emphasis the road closure has been placed at the west of Watermill Lane to protect our workforce and other road users as we now progress with excavation works. The safety of the public and our workforce is paramount.
Monday, 27 February 2023
14:56 PM
Project begins
We're establishing our work area as we begin this project.
Friday, 10 February 2023
15:12 PM
Drop in session
Thank you to those who attended our drop in session on Thursday evening. We were pleased to be able to speak to so many people about this project and help answer any questions, and hear your concerns.
Those unable to attend can download an information pack here(opens in a new tab).
Wednesday, 1 February 2023
09:00 AM
Project scheduled to begin
Our £700,000 project to replace approximately 900m of ageing pipe in Clayhill is scheduled to begin on Monday 27 February.
Share this Article: