A MAMMOTH pipeline upgrade project near Basingstoke that cost £11m is on the verge of completion.

South East Water has installed more than 11 kilometres of pipe between Odiham and Fleet to increase the capacity of its network and futureproof tap water supplies.

The pipe installation work was started in the summer of 2021.

South East Water said its teams of engineering, environmental and construction experts overcame a series of hurdles to lay the new water main over nearly two years.

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This included having to dig beneath a golf course and protecting endangered animals using specially-trained sniffer dogs.

Project manager Matthew Cooper said: “This project has been one of the company’s most challenging engineering schemes and I am delighted to have reached the point where all the pipe is now in the ground on schedule.

“Projects of this nature require exquisite planning so we can strike a balance between keeping the community safe through complex traffic management methods, protecting the local environment and minimising disruption to local residents.”

Work started in Poland Lane, Odiham and progressed through Bagwell Lane and various roads around the village of Winchfield.

A pipe was also installed beneath the River Hart, through Elvetham Heath and beneath North Hants Golf Club. The new water main also runs along Cove Road in Fleet.

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Mr Cooper said: “We know the population in Hampshire is going to grow significantly in the coming years. This pipe will ensure we can protect new and existing water supplies.

“While we have done everything possible to minimise disruption to local residents since starting work in 2021, we’re aware our work has had a significant impact on several local communities.

“Of course, we are extremely sorry for any disruption this vital work may have caused and hope the community understands this project is very much short-term pain for long-term gain.”

South East Water is now in the process of testing and commissioning various sections of the new pipe. This is the process the company goes through to ensure its top-quality drinking water can be safely pumped through its pipes.

It is anticipated the project will be complete by mid-April and more information can be found at: southeastwater.co.uk/fleet.