As part of our ongoing programme to improve our water supply network, we've installed 650 metres of new water pipe in Turners Hill Road, East Grinstead, to cope with an increase in demand as the community grows.
This vital £470,000 investment will enable us to pump more water into the area, ensuring residents and businesses in East Grinstead continue to receive top quality drinking water as demand increases. If we didn't do the work, the area’s water pressure will reduce as demand for water would exceed the amount we can supply.
Work started on 13 June and we are delighted to say that we have now completed this scheme a month ahead of schedule, having initially expected it to be completed by mid-October.
As a safety precaution for pedestrians, motorists and our workforce, we needed to close Turners Hill Road up until the access point to Southern Sheeting. West Hill was also closed once work reached that section.
We crossed Brooklands roundabout under three-way traffic lights on Brooklands Way, Garden Wood Road and Hurst Farm Road as well as road closures on West Hill and Turners Hill Road at the same time.
Advanced warned signs were in place and diversion routes, agreed with West Sussex Highways, were clearly signed. Access to homes and businesses was maintained throughout the project.
The diversion route
FAQs
We do all we can to minimise disruption to motorists and the community when laying new water mains and always look to install pipes in locations which will cause the least disruption, such as grass verges and when in a road, as close to the verge as possible.
In the case of Turners Hill Road, the grass verge and roads are already heavily congested with other utilities, which means the only space available to lay this new pipe is in the middle of the road.
To ensure the safety of both motorists and our construction team, and in accordance with Highways safety guidelines, Turners Hill Road will be closed from Brooklands roundabout up until the access point to Southern Sheeting. West Hill will also be closed once work reaches this section.
We will also need to cross Brooklands roundabout. To do this safely, we will have three-way traffic lights on Brooklands Way, Garden Wood Road and Hurst Farm Road as well as road closures on West Hill and Turners Hill Road at the same time. We will close half of the roundabout at a time to be able to manage traffic flows.
The diversion will take motorists along East Street, North Street, Copthorne Road and London Road. When creating a diversion, we are required to offer a route which follows the same class that we are closing. As Turners Hill is a B road, the diversion needs to follow other B roads.
We are aware that local residents may know quicker ways to navigate around a diversion route although we do not encourage this, again for safety.
The diversion route has been agreed with the local Highways authority and will be clearly signed for the duration of the scheme.
Before work starts, all local bus companies are contacted and presented with the project plans.
It is then up to the bus company to understand what impact the work will have on their services and provide alternatives. We do not influence their decision and are unable to provide a solution for them.
As with all of our roadworks, we will always maintain access for emergency services.
Likewise with bus companies, the emergency services are briefed well in advance of any roadworks and are adept at making their own arrangements to find alternative routes. This is common practice.
Access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times, however there may be a short wait if we are working in front of your property and access to businesses may be via the diversion routes or from one end of the works.
Bin collections and postal deliveries will still be able to access properties for the duration of our work, they will need to follow the diversion routes as signposted throughout.
As the work will require connections to the existing network, there will be a short interruption in supply. We will notify you well in advance when this is due to happen.
Customers with additional needs be it a disability, mental health or financial concerns can sign up to our Priority Services Register to help us understand how we can help you. More information can be found here.
This page will be updated as work progresses, but if you have any concerns during the work, the staff on site will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to speak to us direct, please call our Customer Technical Centre on 0333 000 1100 or email us at customerservices@southeastwater.co.uk
To register for free text or email updates about work in your area, visit inyourarea.digdat.co.uk/southeastwater
Project Updates
Friday, 16 September 2022
12:34 PM
Project completed
We’re delighted to say that our road closure in Turner’s Hill and West Hill, East Grinstead has been lifted and the road reopened ahead of the bank holiday weekend and one month ahead of schedule.
This £470,000 investment means the area has 650m of new water main, enabling us to pump more water into the area and maintain pressure as the community grows.
Wednesday, 14 September 2022
13:52 PM
We’re in the final stages of this project. The main has now been commissioned and the road closure is due to be lifted by the end of this week.
Monday, 29 August 2022
12:57 PM
678m of pipework has now been laid, and work across the roundabout has now been completed. Works are continuing now on West Hill.
Tuesday, 9 August 2022
13:48 PM
We’ve now laid 630 metres, with the phase one section of road now resurfaced. The connection between the network and the Taylor Wimpey development has been completed and the team are now at the roundabout, ready to cross on 15 August
Monday, 1 August 2022
15:22 PM
Preparations have been made for phase two to start west of the Taylor Wimpey site entrance and up to Brooklands roundabout, including locating utilities and starting to excavate the trench.
Monday, 25 July 2022
13:46 PM
Moving to phase two
We’ve now laid 450m of pipework and are moving from phase one to phase two of the project. Turners Hill Road will be closed at the roundabout at the bottom of the hill, and for the safety of motorists, pedestrians and our teams, this will be a full, secure road closure to prevent fencing from being removed.
All vehicles exiting the Taylor Wimpey development, along with residents within the road closure, will need to turn right and drive up the hill. For deliveries to the development, vehicles need to come down the hill and turn left to enter the site. There will still be an excavation at the current location, but traffic will be able to pass this under priority boards. This will remain in place until we have completed testing on the new main.
Monday, 18 July 2022
09:22 AM
Hot weather
There may be times over the coming days when you may see our teams working a little differently. With record breaking hot temperatures forecast, we are advising our teams to be mindful of the conditions, seek shade as and when necessary, or close the site early if conditions become too severe to undertake physical work. We appreciate your patience and assure you the teams will be back on site as normal as soon as possible.
Friday, 17 June 2022
07:40 AM
Temporary Amendment to Diversion Route - Sunday 19 June
Due to the London-Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday 19June, a temporary diversion will be in place. This will enable all other road users to travel along Imberhorne Lane whilst the B2028 is utilised for the bike ride. This will be signed on the day, and will revert to the original agreed diversion after the bike ride has completed and ready for Monday 20 June.
Monday, 13 June 2022
08:00 AM
Work begins
Wehave started work to lay 650 metres of new water main.
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