The Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme webinar Wednesday 17 April 2024 APM North West Network Presented by: Katie Rowlands The link to the write up page and resources of this webinar: https://www.apm.org.uk/news/the-vyrnwy-aqueduct-modernisation-programme-webinar/ Content description: Spotlight on the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme and the challenges facing a large project within Cheshire. The Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme is one of United Utilities largest projects focused on the modernisation of three 42” aqueducts that carry clean drinking water across the North West. This webinar covered the Vyrnwy project and an insight into the project challenges that face a live project within the Cheshire area.

1. Vyrnwy Aqueduct
Modernisation Programme
Katie Rowlands – Project Manager – United Utilities

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Fast facts
85 Km
https://uuhub.co.uk/vyrnwy/
of PE pipe to
be
purchased
£250
million
value of
the work
estimated
time to
complete
8
years
VAMP (Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme)
The Vyrnwy Aqueduct runs from Lake Vyrnwy through to
Merseyside. It was first installed in 1892 and has helped deliver
clean, wholesome drinking water to customers and
communities across Cheshire, Merseyside and the wider North
West region.
The aqueduct system comprises of three parallel pipelines,
referred to as Lines 1, 2 and 3. Each line is 42 inches (over 1
metre) in diameter and has a combined distance of 110km in
length.
The project is to Clean and Slipline a total of 139km (85km of
PE Pipe) across all 3 siphons by 31st December 2028.
What we do
139
Km
of pipeline
to be
modernised

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The history of the Vyrnwy Aqueduct
Liverpool corporation water works
Lake Vyrnwy
Lake Vyrnwy is a reservoir created in the 1880s by Liverpool Corporation Water Works to help
supply the growing city. Costing approximately £620,000 to construct (equivalent to over £70
million today).
The aqueduct system comprises of parallel pipelines built in phases:
• Line 1 cast iron constructed between 1881–1892
• Line 2 cast iron constructed between 1902-1905
• Line 3 steel constructed between 1926-1938
The treated water from Oswestry is then transported to the storage reservoirs at Prescot via these
huge underground pipes, passing through several tunnel sections, including underneath the River
Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal.
Construction in
the late 1920s

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Programme
Reducing risk and maximising ODI by accelerating siphon lines cleaning & lining
S1 – Clean & Slip
S2 - Clean
S2 – Accl. Slip Siphon 2 – Slip
S3 – Accl. Slip Siphon 3 – Slip
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
2022
2020 2021
Define
TRA
AMP7/AMP8

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Key Stakeholders
• 6 MP constituencies
• 6 Local planning authorities
• Knowsley
• St Helens
• Warrington
• Halton
• Cheshire West and Chester
• Cheshire East
• Elected members
• 26 ward council areas
• 37 parish council areas
• Other
• Landowners, occupiers and estates
• Delamere Forest
• Fiddlers Ferry
• Road, Rail, River, Waterways
• Whiston Hospital
• Schools & Sports Clubs

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• Line 3 Cleaned by end of 2023
• Line 1 & 2 Slip Lined by end of 2024
18.6km Length through rural Cheshire
64 Access Pits (Launch & Reception etc)
Railway / River Gowy / Shropshire Union Canal Crossing at Beeston
Lightfoot Lane Crossing – Eaton Village
Siphon 1 – Malpas to Cotebrook 2023- 2024

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• Line 3 Cleaned by end of 2024
• Line 1 & 2 Slip Lined by end of 2027
17.6km Length
55 Access Pits (Launch & Reception etc)
Railway Pipebridge / River Weaver / Runcorn Linnets Football Club
Delamere Forest
Siphon 2– Cotebrook to Norton 2023 - 2027

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• Line 3 Cleaning Not Required
• Line 1 & 2 Slip Line by end of 2027
15km Length – relining lines 1&2
50 Access Pits (Launch & Reception etc)
Bridgewater Canal Crossing / Fiddlers Ferry/ Cuerdley Railway
Crossing
Siphon 3– Norton to Prescot 2024 - 2027

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What our work looks like