New sewer system designed to stop flooding in Tilehurst

Employees from Thames Water and contractors, Optimise, have been working in Hildens Drive, City Road, Longworth Avenue and Foxcombe Drive since January.
Ten homes in the area have experienced sewer flooding in the past because the old network was unable to cope with heavy rainfall.
Further, with more homes set to be built in the area, pressure on the sewer network would have increased if the work had not been carried out.
Bigger sewer pipes have been installed to help the network cope with an estimated additional 95 tonnes of sewage.
More than 700 meters of new pipe will have been installed when the project is finally completed at the end of the month, according to Thames Water’s head of programme delivery, Andy Popple.
"Despite the recent heavy rain, the new network has already shown an ability to cope so we are confident this scheme will prove a real benefit to the people of Tilehurst who have had to put up with the misery of sewer flooding in the past,” Mr Popple said.
This week workers from Optimise have been using a new machine called an auger borer to dig underground tunnels.
"We’ve been augering the sewer pipe, which in places is 1500mm wide, to reduce the impact to local businesses and residents and we’re pleased that we’re ahead of schedule to finish up and get out of their way,” Mr Popple added.
Reading West MP Alok Sharma has given his backing to a scheme, which he says will end the misery of sewer flooding for Tilehurst residents.
"Talking to local residents, I know that they recognise the importance of this work to improve the sewer network in Tilehurst. I am pleased that Thames Water is committed to making the sewer network fit for the future,” he said.
Most of this work has already been completed, but the road closure is currently in place along City Road.