Plans unveiled to replace water pipe

PLANS for a huge engineering project to replace a water pipeline have been published.

The proposals are to replace a section of the Haweswater Aqueduct, which has brought water to people in Lancashire for more than 60 years.

The plans include the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section towards the southern extent of the aqueduct.

The pipeline, which was built between 1933 and 1955, needs replacing to maintain the integrity of the network and United Utilities is proposing the replacement of all six existing tunnel sections.

Inspections in 2013 and 2016 uncovered areas of concern in the single line tunnel sections of aqueduct, relating to both future water supply and water quality risks.

Planning applications have been submitted to both Rossendale council and Bury council.

Planning documents state: “It is anticipated that the condition of these single line tunnel sections will continue to deteriorate and therefore a solution is required to address the risks to water supply and water quality.

“The need for the

Haslingden and Walmersley section is driven by the requirement to replace part of an ageing asset to secure a water supply.

“The pipeline would be constructed by tunnel boring below ground level, with short opencut surface trenching sections at each end making connections back to the existing aqueduct.

“The new aqueduct would be bored in two directions from a compound at Haslingden, with reception shafts at Huncoat and Woodgate Hill.”

The total length of the existing Haslingden and Walmersley Section is 18.9km.

The Irwell conduit, which connects the Haslingden and Walmersley tunnels, also supplies the local area via a pumping station.

At their deepest points the Haslingden and Walmersley tunnels are 185m and 163m below ground. The route of the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section would cross several land uses including urban areas, moorland hills and valleys and agricultural areas.

The northern section runs southwards from the Huncoat area, passing underneath open land to the east of Accrington, Baxenden and Rising Bridge before reaching Haslingden. From Haslingden, the route passes under the River Irwell west of Townsend Fold, then runs southwards to the east of Edenfield and Walmersley before reaching Woodgate Hill.

The report added: “The proposed section [ is] to commence in 2023 with enabling works, ultimately reaching completion and commissioning in 2028.”