A27 Closures Ahead as 100-Year-Old Water Pipes Get £100m Upgrade
Drivers along the A27 near Romsey are being warned to expect disruption, as major road closures are planned to make way for critical water infrastructure upgrades that have been decades in the making.
Southern Water is preparing to replace aging water mains in the Shootash area, pipes that have been buried underground for up to a century. Many of these old mains are made from cast iron and other materials that were considered reliable in their time but are now reaching the end of their safe working life. After years of regular maintenance, engineers say the risk of leaks, bursts and supply interruptions is increasing and action can no longer be delayed.
This work is part of a wider £100 million investment aimed at reducing water leakage across the region. The new pipes will be made from modern plastic materials designed to last longer and perform more reliably. Once installed, Southern Water says customers should see fewer unexpected outages, less discoloured water and a more stable supply overall.
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To carry out the work safely, sections of the A27, also known as Salisbury Road, may need to be fully closed at times. Engineers have said they will use two-way traffic lights instead of full closures when conditions allow, but safety will determine the final setup. For motorists, that means planning ahead, allowing extra time and being ready for diversions during the works.
For local residents, this project is about short-term inconvenience weighed against long-term reliability. Water mains failures can cause flooding, road damage and sudden loss of supply to homes and businesses. Replacing these pipes now reduces the chance of emergency repairs later, which often cause even more disruption with little warning.
Southern Water is also making an effort to keep the community informed. A public drop-in event has been scheduled at Sherfield English Village Hall, where residents can speak directly with the project team, ask questions and raise concerns. For those unable to attend in person, a dedicated customer liaison contact has been provided to handle feedback during the works.
This story matters because infrastructure that is out of sight is often out of mind, until it fails. Investment like this plays a key role in protecting water security, public safety and local roads for years to come.
Stay with us as these works progress and keep watching for the latest updates on traffic, infrastructure and the stories that shape daily life across our communities.
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