Road closures underway for essential sewer infrastructure improvements
- Guernsey Water has begun essential sewer infrastructure works in Les Baissières, Rue du Friquet and Les Ozouets, with phased road closures until early November 2026
- Initial investigative surveys earlier this year allowed the utility to pre-fabricate replacement manhole covers offsite, reducing construction time and unexpected delays
- Eight chambers have been successfully renovated or rebuilt in Les Baissières, with works progressing ahead of schedule
- Summer scheduling takes advantage of lower sewer flows and groundwater levels, making excavation safer and more efficient
- Road closures will run from 20th July to 9th November across the three locations, with works moving through phases
Guernsey Water has commenced a programme of essential sewer infrastructure works across three locations in the island, with phased road closures planned until early November.
The works, affecting Les Baissières, Rue du Friquet and Les Ozouets, follow investigative surveys carried out earlier this year and form part of a major project to rebuild sewer chambers and assess sections of the island's sewer network.
The utility company conducted initial closures earlier in 2026 to build an accurate picture of infrastructure near its pipes and measure below-ground concrete manhole covers, allowing replacements to be pre-fabricated offsite to save time during the main construction phase.
Carl Falla, capital delivery manager at Guernsey Water, said: "We understand residents and businesses may be frustrated to see road closures returning to an area that was affected earlier this year. However, the investigations we carried out in the spring were specifically designed to reduce the overall impact of the main construction works.
"By carrying out detailed surveys and trial excavations in advance, we've been able to build a much clearer picture of the infrastructure beneath the road and develop a comprehensive plan for the next phase of the project.
"This approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected delays, helps keep the programme on track and ultimately means less disruption for road users than if we encountered unforeseen issues during the main works."
The first phase of works along Les Baissières is now nearing completion, progressing slightly ahead of schedule. Eight chambers have been successfully renovated or rebuilt during this phase, which began on 20th July and is scheduled to conclude on 23rd August.
The project will then move into Rue du Friquet for the second phase, with closures scheduled from 24th August to 4th October. Guernsey Electricity will also implement closures on 22nd and 23rd August in the same area.
The final phase will take place in Les Ozouets, with road closures from 5th October to 9th November.
Guernsey Water said the rolling proactive investment approach helps avoid major issues in the future, noting that a collapsed sewer would cost significantly more and take far longer to repair than planned maintenance works.
The utility company has scheduled the work during summer months to take advantage of several operational benefits. Sewer flows and groundwater levels are generally lower during this period, making excavation and refurbishment safer and more efficient. The timing also reduces impact on tanker services, as the company needs to isolate emptying points upstream which feed into the key lines being worked on.
Guernsey Water will provide updates on the works through its Facebook page and media releases.
The company oversees the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of potable water to over 25,000 homes and businesses across the island, as well as the collection and safe disposal of all wastewater. It manages more than 100 facilities, including pumping stations, water treatment works, sea outfalls, and land and office buildings.
Guernsey Water is wholly owned by the States of Guernsey and operates with its own set of externally audited accounts.
Q&A
Q: Why are there two sets of closures in the same areas?
A: The initial closures earlier in 2026 were for investigative surveys to map underground infrastructure and measure manhole covers. This allowed Guernsey Water to pre-fabricate replacements and plan the main construction work, ultimately reducing overall disruption compared to encountering problems during construction.
Q: When will each location be affected by road closures?
A: Les Baissières closures run from 20th July to 23rd August, Rue du Friquet from 24th August to 4th October (with additional Guernsey Electricity closures on 22nd and 23rd August), and Les Ozouets from 5th October to 9th November 2026.
Q: Why is the work being done in summer?
A: Summer months provide lower sewer flows and groundwater levels, making excavation and refurbishment safer and more efficient. The timing also reduces impact on tanker services, as Guernsey Water needs to isolate emptying points upstream during the works.
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