A lane of the A31 west of the Coxbridge roundabout is to remain closed in both directions for the next three weeks as South East Water’s six-month pipeline project enters its final phase.

The lane closures came into force on Tuesday opposite the Runwick Lane junction, and are not scheduled to be lifted until August 24. 

The entirety of Runwick Lane will also be closed for the duration of these works.

It follows a prolonged four-month road closure of West Street in Farnham earlier this year as part of the same project, with the pipeline works since being directed across private land between Coxbridge Farm and Runwick Lane.

Project manager for South East Water Jeremy Dufour said: “We know this is a busy area for traffic and road closures are always the last resort, but we need to close Runwick Lane and a lane on the A31 for the safety of motorists and our workforce.

“We are very sorry for the disruption this may cause.”

South East Water, which reported a pre-tax loss of nearly £75 million in July, says it has invested more than £1m to lay a new 2km water main in the Farnham area, to serve an influx of housing in the western end of the town. 

However, the works have had a huge impact on the community. Town-centre restaurants and shops suffered a large decline in customers as a result of the traffic gridlock caused by the West Street closure.

And Farnham isn’t alone, with Tongham villagers also bemoaning a six-week closure of The Street which started last week, again for the installation of a new water pipeline to supply new housing in the area.