Wessex Water to replace water main network in Poole

An ageing cast-iron main along a section of the B3068 Ringwood Road will be replaced with new plastic pipes less prone to bursting as part of a five-week project.

Getting underway on July 24 and costing just under £100,000, Wessex Water says its work is being timed to limit disruption as it coincides with the start of the school holidays.

The firm says the work is essential and stressed customers will experience supply issues if left unchecked.

Work will result in a short section of Ringwood Road closed to through traffic from the four-way traffic lights at the junction with the A35 to the roundabout junction with Constitution Hill and Danecourt Road.

Ringwood Road at the junction with A35 Fernside Road.

A signposted diversion, using the A35, A3049 Dorset Way and B3061 will be in place during the work, with around 200 metres of pipe being replaced.

From Monday, August 14, temporary traffic lights will also be in place at the roundabout so the work can be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “The condition of this main is causing interruptions to our customers’ supply and without replacement, it will continue to degrade.

“Carrying out this work will ensure the community continues to enjoy improved water quality and a more reliable supply in future years and ensures we continue to meet our commitment to cut leaks as much as possible.

“Replacing a main is a major undertaking that does bring an element of disruption with it.

“We have worked closely with BCP Council to ensure that is reduced as much as possible but we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“We have written to residents and local representatives in the area to inform them about the work taking place and are also working with businesses to ensure the impact on them is kept to a minimum.

“We are maintaining footpath access on Constitution Hill and, where this may be restricted at certain times, an alternative supervised access will be provided.”