Julia has welcomed confirmation that Essex & Suffolk Water has completed all major milestones on the new water main at Gallows Corner, allowing the project to move towards a full site handover to Transport for London.
Pressure and water quality testing was completed successfully over the weekend of 15 and 16 August. This allowed the water supply to be switched from the original pipe to the new water main during the week beginning 17 August.
Essex & Suffolk Water has also backfilled its excavations on Eastern Avenue and Southend Arterial Road.
From Monday 24 August, the original pipe will be decommissioned and sealed. Working areas will then be progressively returned to TfL ahead of the planned full site handover on Monday 31 August, in line with the commitment made in July.
The handover will not mark the immediate reopening of the full road network. TfL must first complete final reinstatement and resurfacing works in the areas affected by the water main project. A timeframe for these works is expected once the site has been returned.
TfL contractors are also working to resolve separate drainage issues reported on the carriageway. These are not connected to the water main project and are due to be addressed before resurfacing begins.
Julia said:
“This is another important step forward and I am pleased that Essex & Suffolk Water has completed the major milestones needed to bring the new water main into operation.
“The prolonged disruption at Gallows Corner has been deeply frustrating for local residents, businesses and road users. While the planned handover on 31 August is welcome, TfL must now provide a clear timetable for completing the final resurfacing works and fully reopening the road network.
“I will continue to monitor progress closely and press for the remaining work to be completed as quickly and safely as possible.”
A further update is expected next week.
