The situation
Across the South West our sewerage system is showing its age and needs upgrading. This is especially true of the sewer running from the pumping station in Penryn. Following a number of bursts in the past few years, it's reached the end of its working life and needs replacing.
Recent upgrades to the pumping station and this replacement of the main will add resilience to the network and reduce the risk of pollution.
Works taking place
Upcoming works in Commercial Road
We are planning to recommence work in Commercial Road no earlier than October 2026, subject to permits, weather conditions, and operational requirements.
To help us determine the scope of the works trial holes will be taking place on commercial road, Monday 20 to Wednesday 23 July. These works will be carried out overnight between 7pm and 7am.
To enable the work to be completed safely, a single lane closure will be in place along approximately 150 metres of Commercial Road adjacent to Penryn Bridge, with traffic management removed during the day.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents, businesses, and road users for their patience while we complete this essential work.
Completed works
New mains installation: March 2024
Stage 1: Commercial Road to Falmouth Road
New mains installation, completed between January and February 2024.
Stage 2: Eastwood Road at junction of Falmouth Road
1. Preparation
- Set up traffic management and safety barriers
- Survey the site and mark up the existing services – we do not want to damage other utilities!
2. Digging down
We excavate down to the correct depth, creating a trench for the new pipe. We use diggers for most of the work, but areas around other services have to be dug out by hand to avoid damage.
3. Installing the pipe
- The new pipe is installed on suitable bedding to protect it
- It is then pressure tested to ensure it doesn't leak
4. Introduce flow into sewer
The new pipe is connected into the network and the sewer is brought into service.
5. Restore the working area
We backfill the trench with stone, restore the road surface and repaint any road markings before clearing the site and then the road is opened again as normal.