Anglian Water is to start work on a scheme to prevent burst water mains in Lincoln.

The work along Doddington Road, which is expected to take one week, starting on Friday 21 October, will see the company’s engineers optimise the local network, reducing the likelihood of burst water mains and the disruption they cause for local residents and road users.

High temperatures and dry weather – like that seen across the region this summer – can make burst water mains and leaks more frequent, due to ground movement impacting our pipes underground. The East of England is the driest part of the country, making it more vulnerable to extreme weather as a result of climate change. The work on Doddington Road will build resilience against the effects of climate change, making bursts and leaks less likely to occur.


Molly McKie, spokesperson for Anglian Water, said: "We know burst water mains on Doddington Road have become more frequent recently. Not only can they significantly impact our customers’ water supply, they can cause major traffic delays while we repair our pipes. That’s why this work to make our network more resilient is so important – it will reduce the likelihood of these bursts, meaning much less disruption for local residents and road users."

The first part of the scheme will take place over the weekend of Friday 21 October, with engineers installing new fittings to a water main near the level crossing at the Whisby Road junction. Doddington Road will be closed in both directions at the level crossing, in order to keep engineers and other road users safe while the Anglian Water team works near the rail line. This work is expected to be finished by the morning of Monday 24 October, with the road reopened ready to allow for the next stage of work to take place.

Work will continue on the project at the junction of Doddington Road and Whisby Road from Monday 24 October.