Second Phase Of £5m Water Mains Upgrade Begins On Isle Of Wight

Southern Water is set to start the second phase of a £5 million programme to upgrade ageing water mains on the Isle of Wight from Monday 26 January.

The work will see 1,500 metres of pipes replaced on Horsebridge Hill and Elenors Grove in Fishbourne, following the replacement of more than 4,000 metres of Victorian-era mains in the first phase.

The upgrades aim to reduce bursts, cut leakage, and avoid interruptions to the water supply, helping prevent emergency repairs in the future.

Traffic management will be in place during the work. One-way systems will operate between Cowes and Newport from 26 January to 17 April, while Elenors Grove (A3054) will be closed from Fishbourne to Ryde between 2 February and 10 April, with diversions in place.

Letters have been sent to local residents and businesses, and a public drop-in event was held to explain the plans.

Nicholas Marshall, Southern Water’s Senior Project Manager, said:

"We know traffic management can be frustrating, and we are working to complete these essential upgrades as quickly as possible while keeping everyone safe.

"Over 2026, we will replace another 7,000 metres of mains across the Island, reducing the risk of bursts and supply interruptions.

"We’re grateful to residents and businesses for their patience and will keep everyone updated on progress."

The project has been carefully scheduled around summer holidays and the Island’s event calendar and is being carried out in partnership with Island Roads, which manages local highways.