Eastern Road to reopen two weeks early following £3m sewer repairs
“Delight” as work to repair a sewer underneath one of the busiest city roads has been completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
The £3 million project repaired and lined the underground sewer pipe to help prevent emergency repairs, unplanned road closures and further disruption in the future.
The project comes following a series of burst pipes and flooding over the past two years, with multiple repairs necessary.
George Taylor, director of wastewater operations at Southern Water, said: “We have successfully lined more than 1,600 metres of sewer pipe ahead of schedule. Our teams have worked day and night, with much of the job taking place below ground and out of sight, on one of Portsmouth’s most important routes.”
Work started on January 4, 2026, and was due to continue until March but the use of specialist lining technology meant less digging was involved and so could be completed quicker.
There will be a further night-time southbound lane closure between the Burrfields Road and Hayling Avenue junctions, to complete a structural liner on Swords Sands Road.
This work, which will complete the lining on the gravity main in the southern section, will start at 9pm on Friday, February 20 and end at 5am on Saturday, February 21.
Councillor Peter Candlish, cabinet member for transport Portsmouth City Council said: "I'm delighted Southern Water has completed this major engineering project two weeks ahead of schedule, despite the challenging weather conditions.
“I know how frustrating the traffic disruption has been for local residents and commuters and I thank them for their patience during these essential works. However, now it's done, I believe that Southern Water has the long-term solution we needed in place on one of Portsmouth's key routes.
“During Southern Water’s works, Colas postponed several nearby projects to avoid adding pressure to busy roads and used the temporary lane closures to complete essential gully cleansing to reduce flood risk. Hampshire Constabulary has also used the closure to install a new fixed speed camera. This is exactly the kind of joined‑up approach that benefits everyone.”
The scheme forms part of £170 million of investment across Portsmouth to improve the wastewater network and reduce storm overflows – improving the quality of coastal waters.
Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “I know just how disruptive this work has been for people across our city, so like everyone in Portsmouth I’m pleased to see this vital project completed ahead of schedule.
“This £3 million investment will provide much-needed resilience, reducing the impact of sewer bursts on local residents and businesses, as well as on the wider city, which is so often affected by lane closures.”