Delays expected during water main replacement work

Project to fix pipe under railway level crossing expected to take approximately one month

ONE of the principal access routes to Farnham will be cut off for several weeks this month, as a troublesome mains water pipe is replaced.

From Monday July 28 no vehicles will be allowed on Station Hill Road between The Fairfield and Tilford Road, as South East Water work on a 50m stretch of pipeline under the railway level crossing.

The pipe burst in March 2012, causing significant disruption to both motorists and rail users.

Since then mains water has been channelled through a different part of the network, while the utility company devised a scheme for replacing the section without further disrupting train services.

South East Water have said the project is scheduled to take approximately one month.

It has also promised that access to Farnham Station and its car park will continue, and that there will be no disruption to rail services.

Pedestrians will still be able to cross the railway line using the footbridge.

Surrey County Council, responsible for roads, has not yet spelled out details of the inevitable diversion, but said the works raise the prospect of large numbers of cars funnelling down residential roads, such as Alfred Road, to avoid the blockade.

The repair project is likely to also increase the amount of traffic entering the centre of Farnham over Firgrove Hill and into the conservation area.

Residents have recently complained that lorries heavier than the maximum weight of 7.5 tonnes have been crossing the bridges over the railway and the Farnham bypass where Figrove Hill enters the town centre.

Chris Love, delivery manager at South East Water, said: “Although this section of pipeline has not been operational for a couple of years, it is vital that we bring it back into service so we can easily move water between the north and the south of the town, improving the water supply service.

“We have been working closely with Network Rail throughout the planning process, and it will also be carrying out work on the railway line at the same time.

“By collaborating in this way it avoids the potential for future disruption at a later date.”

Mr Love said the work would be carried out during July and August because the school summer holidays meant the traffic flow would be ‘traditionally lighter’.