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
We are preparing to begin work on the Commercial Road sewer replacement project, with construction scheduled to start on 23 November 2026.
The works are expected to be completed in February 2027.
The project will involve overnight working to reduce disruption during the day. No noisy activities will take place after 11pm.
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.