Thames Water has announced it is laying new pipes to protect South London water supply from future bursts and leaks.

More than 1.5km of new water pipes will be installed in Lewisham to protect residents from disruptive bursts.

The £4.5 million project will see Thames Water working alongside gas company SGN to install pipes between 16 and 22 inches in diameter in Westhorne Avenue, near the busy South Circular in Lewisham borough, strengthening the local network and preventing future leaks and bursts.

The two companies have been working with the Mayor of London's Infrastructure Team, the London boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich and Transport for London to deliver the project collaboratively with the aim of reducing disruption for local residents.


Work has now started and will last for two weeks, before continuing on the road towards Clifton’s roundabout until September. The entire project is expected to be completed by November.

As part of an innovative 'dig-once' approach, the water pipe replacement works will be carried out simultaneously as SGN replaces existing metal gas mains and services with modern plastic pipes, saving 14 days of disruption for residents and businesses. Initial work started in Baring Road, Lewisham, last month and SGN will also be working in nearby St Mildreds Road, between the junctions of Birch Grove and Burnt Ash Hill, with a lane closure to ensure the safety of engineers and members of the public.

Kieran Ingram, Thames Water's head of water networks, said: "A key part of our company turnaround plan is fixing the basics, and this important project will help us protect the water supply of thousands of Londoners for the future.

"By working collaboratively with SGN and digging just once for both water and gas works, we hope to reduce disruption for residents and motorists, saving an extra two weeks of work.

"As London's population continues to grow and we deal with the impact of climate change, it’s more important than ever that we look after our water networks and ensure as much water as possible makes it to where it is needed.

"This work will ensure we have a robust water network in the area and allow us to continue providing a reliable water supply to our customers."