£16m water upgrade for Taunton could cause two years' disruption (From This is The West Country)

£16m water upgrade for Taunton could cause two years' disruption

3:00pm Sunday 3rd June 2012 in Somerset

WORK is beginning on a major £16million water upgrade for Taunton which could cause two years of disruption for motorists.

Wessex Water has announced it will start its Operation Clean and Clear project in Lisieux Way on June 11 but early investigation work has already begun in St James’ Street.

Operation Clean and Clear will see around 50km of ageing water mains in Taunton – which Wessex Water says sometimes cause discoloured water – upgraded between now and the summer of 2014.

The work in Lisieux Way will involve laying a new water main to replace an existing pipe, and traffic lights will be in place for about 20 weeks, although the road will not be completely shut.

Wessex Water said it had carried out extensive consultations to explain the project, including drop-in sessions at the Orchard shopping centre last Friday and Saturday, and was working with Somerset Highways to minimise disruption.

Phil Luxton, Wessex Water’s project manager for the scheme, said: “We were really pleased with the turnout at last week’s drop-in session.

“It was quite clear that people understood why the work had to take place to improve water quality. Some people were concerned about the potential inconvenience it would cause but realised the essential work had to be carried out to safeguard water quality for years to come.”

Graham Love, Taunton Town Centre manager, said: “We have received some comments from businesses asking for more detail about the work about to be carried out.

“It’s really important Wessex Water provides detailed information and that the works are managed well.”