DRIVERS in Hook could be facing 11 months of travel misery after South East Water announced the start of a major new project.

The new mains work will centre around Reading Road with the first phase due to commence on January 16 seeing new sections of pipe laid between the junctions of Hook Road and Cowfold Lane.

In April 2017 phase two will begin as work moves along Reading Road at the junction with Serendipity Garden Centre and continue along Griffin Way North up to the junction with Oak Tree Drive.

Phase three will begin in late June 2017, with work taking place between Red Hill and Vicarage Lane, Hound Green.

The works are part of an ongoing programme to improve water supply networks and a total of 3.3 kilometres of new water pipeline will be put in place across the 40 weeks.

South East Water said: “This £620,000 scheme is necessary to improve the capacity of the network and ensure we can continue to maintain water pressure to the area as the community grows.

“As a safety precaution for pedestrians, motorists and our contractor, temporary road closures will be in place along Reading Road during each phase.

“Construction works will be carried out in stages with the road being returned to its original state upon completion of one section.

“However, please be assured that access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times.”

Chris Love, delivery manager at South East Water, said: “This important improvement project will allow us to maintain supplies for clean water for our customers in the area in the future.

“We know roadworks can be frustrating for motorists and the local community. The decision to close a road is not taken lightly but this is the only way we can ensure that pedestrians, motorists and our contractor are kept safe while this important work takes place.

“I would like to apologise for the disruption this work will cause, but hope motorists and the local community understand the long term benefits this scheme will deliver. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place during each phase of the scheme.”

The scheme in Hook forms part of the South East Water’s £424 million investment programme between 2015 and 2020.