Wiltshire sewer system pipes reinforced by using robots

Wessex Water has previously pledged to cut hourly storm overflow discharges by a quarter by 2025

Work has begun to reinforce a Wiltshire sewer system and reduce the risk of leaks and potential sewer collapses.

Amesbury will receive a £90,000 renovation to its underground pipes as part of a scheme to protect the environment.

Relining and sealing sewers will help to prevent the escape of wastewater and infiltration of ground water.

Robots will be used to replace disruptive underground drilling and make the project less carbon-intensive.

This summer alone, Wessex Water has spent over £2 million relining nearly 7,500 metres of sewers across its region.

The company said such "no-dig" techniques cut down on the length of time required to complete the renovations.

Robots will make their way along the pipework to make connections and reinforce pipes.

However, some excavation is required to construct new manhole chambers. 

Project manager, Kiarna Homer said: "Relining and sealing sewers in this way helps protect the environment, via the prevention of foul water escaping and groundwater entering the pipes, which can lead to flooding or storm overflows automatically discharging into rivers or the sea if the system becomes overwhelmed."

"Although some excavation will be needed for the construction of manhole chambers, by using 'no-dig' techniques as much as possible we can minimise the impact of this work on local communities.''  

Whilst the work is conducted, Salisbury Street and Church Street will be closed to through traffic from Kings Arms to 6 Salisbury Street.

A diversion will be in place via the A345, Netton, Upper Woodford, Great Dunford, Normanton, West Amesbury until Friday 2 November. 

From Monday 13 November to Friday 17 November, there will be a night-time closure of Salisbury Street and Church Street (18:00-07:00) from Kings Arms to 6 Salisbury Street.

A diversion via the A345, Netton, Upper Woodford, Great Dunford, Normanton, West Amesbury will again be in place.  

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