PLANS for a huge engineering project to replace a water pipeline to Bury have been published.

The proposals are to replace a section of the Haweswater Aqueduct, which runs from the Lake District to Bury and has successfully brought water to people in Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester for more than 60 years.

The plans refer to the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley section towards the southern extent of the aqueduct, replacing an existing tunnel with a single tunnel running from Huncoat, east of Accrington to Woodgate Hill Water Treatment Works in Bury.

United Utilities (UU) describe the the existing Haweswater Aqueduct as ‘a major feat of engineering’.

The pipeline, built between 1933 and 1955, needs replacing to maintain the integrity of the network and UU is proposing the replacement of all six existing tunnel sections along the length of the aqueduct.

Inspections in 2013 and 2016 uncovered areas of concern in the single line tunnel sections of aqueduct, relating to both future water supply and water quality risks.

The planning document submitted to Bury Council by UU, states: “It is anticipated that the condition of these single line tunnel sections will continue to deteriorate, and therefore a solution is required to address the risks to water supply and water quality.

“The need for the Haslingden and Walmersley section is driven by the requirement to replace part of an ageing asset to secure a water supply serving customers in Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

“The pipeline would be constructed by tunnel boring below ground level, with short opencut surface trenching sections at each end making connections back to the existing aqueduct.

“The new aqueduct would be bored in two directions from a compound at Haslingden, with reception shafts at Huncoat and Woodgate Hill.”

The total length of the existing Haslingden and Walmersley Section is 18.9 km, made up of conduits and tunnels both 2.6m in diameter.

The Irwell conduit, which connects the Haslingden and Walmersley tunnels, also supplies the local area via a pumping station.

At their deepest points the Haslingden and Walmersley tunnels are 185m and 163m below ground

Investigatory work was undertaken in 2019 regarding potential construction traffic routes to and from the proposed Woodgate Hill compound.

Discussions were held with Bury highways who helped influence the most appropriate route to get to Rochdale Old Road and it was concluded that Castle Hill Road with a new access into the site was the preferred option.

The route of the proposed Haslingden and Walmersley Section would cross several land uses including urban areas, moorland hills and valleys and agricultural areas.

The northern section runs southwards from the Huncoat area, passing underneath open land to the east of Accrington, Baxenden and Rising Bridge before reaching Haslingden.

From Haslingden, the route passes under the River Irwell west of Townsend Fold, then runs southwards to the east of Edenfield and Walmersley before reaching Woodgate Hill .

The report added some detail on the timescales involved in the massive project.

It said: “The proposed section to commence in 2023 with enabling works, ultimately reaching completion and commissioning in 2028.

“The indicative programme provided does not include reinstatement works, which may continue for several years beyond the completion of construction.”

Bury Council is set to consider the proposals in the next few weeks.