Scheduled for upgrade, the project became significantly more urgent when a 3rd party utility company accidentally drilled through the increasingly fragile Dunlop pipework, discharging from the pump station into the River Witham. These pipes were already approaching the end of their usable life, having been repaired previously and needed to be replaced with 800mm diameter PN25 ductile iron, with subsequent pressure testing to ensure viability.
Witham 3rd Internal Drainage Board, with Sweeting Brothers, liaised with the Environment Agency for permits and agreed significant pre-emptive works to provide retaining structures and a new large area of reinforced concrete to facilitate a steel frame to house the new mechanical and electrical equipment for the pump station control building. Extra security fencing, entry gates and a high-level flood-event entry gate were also installed.
The Sustrans trail runs through the area. A temporary footbridge to maintain access and segregation was needed throughout the duration of the work. Due to the extent of the works, flooding also had to be managed on multiple occasions from the River Witham, with temporary flood embankments being put in place to protect nearby residents.