LONG delays have been reported in Chester this morning on the first day of a major 11-month roadworks project.

The £10 million works will see Severn Trent Water laying a new, 3km water pipe connecting Huntington Water treatment Works to Boughton Water Treatment Works.

The water company is doing so following instructions from water regulator OFWAT to reduce the number of customers dependant on a single source of supply for their water in Chester.

Currently, in an emergency event at Boughton's works suffering a sudden failure for an extended period, more than 100,000 customers in Chester would be without water.

Works are beginning from today (Monday, January 29), with the road between Huntington and Boughton closing in sections and not allowing for a through route.

Some sections of roadworks are to allow other utility companies to work on site to clear infrastructure so the pipe can be fitted along the underground route.

For the next two weeks, until February 9, BT will be working at the section between Dee banks and the Sailing Club, where there is a full road closure.

Motorists have been diverted along Caldy Valley Road, and this has led to long queues heading into Chester this morning, particularly on Caldy Valley Road, Christleton Road and Boughton.

The next set of roadworks will be for gas firm Cadent to work between Caldy Brook and Dee Banks from February 12 until March 7.

Severn Trent itself will be working from February 19 on Jubilee Fields.

Currently, the roadworks phases are listed to last until November 29.

James Jesic, capital delivery and commercial director at Severn Trent, said: “Investing in this project is vital in making sure we’re able to help keep the water flowing for all our Chester customers now and for generations to come, and the work we are doing to install the new pipe will help us do that. 

“We are working in collaboration with other companies to ensure that all work is done at the same time to minimise the impact on residents and visitors to the city and get everything done as quickly as possible. 

“We understand that long term road closures can cause disruption, but the installation of this pipeline is essential to make sure water keeps flowing for residents of the city and will be a huge benefit to all. We will work hard to make sure that we deliver this project as quickly as possible.” 

The water treatment works at Boughton, on the outskirts of Chester has been treating water from the River Dee and providing drinking water for the people of Chester for more than 160 years.     

Mr Jesic added: “Our teams have been speaking with the local community and businesses about our plans and where we’ll be working, and we have specialist support for businesses in the areas we’re working. Businesses that need help can get in touch with us by emailing our Business Loss Team on businessloss@severntrent.co.uk for further advice. 

“We understand that there has been some concern around the closure, and we’re listening to the community and can assure everyone we’re doing this with as little impact as possible that allows us to safely do the work.”