The newly completed £5 billion super sewer in London is now fully operational, successfully preventing half a million tonnes of sewage from entering the River Thames, according to the company responsible for the project.
Following a decade of construction, the final of 21 connections linking the Thames Tideway Tunnel to the city’s Victorian sewage network has been established.
This 16-mile (25km) pipeline is designed to redirect 34 of the most heavily polluting sewage outlets that have previously discharged waste into the Thames.
Andy Mitchell, CEO of Tideway, remarked, “This marks another significant achievement – with the last connection now finished, the super sewer is completely functional and safeguarding the Thames.”
London’s combined sewer system manages both human waste and rainwater runoff, yet the city’s growing population has outstripped the capacity of this system.
The new infrastructure is anticipated to eliminate 95% of sewage overflows that would have polluted the river in the past.
Connections have been established at various sites, including the starting point of the University Boat Race at Putney Embankment, Chelsea and Victoria Embankments, Blackfriars Bridge in central London, and King Edward Memorial Park in Wapping.
Additionally, the Thames Tideway Tunnel links with the existing 4.2-mile (6.9km) Lee Tunnel, forming the London Tideway Tunnel network.
This infrastructure initiative, funded by Thames Water customers, aims to reduce sewage discharges into the Thames while delivering long-term benefits for biodiversity, recreation, and public health, according to a spokesperson for Tideway.
While the project is operational, it is not yet fully finished as it will undergo testing under storm conditions in the upcoming months. Following this, Thames Water will assume control of the system.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed highlighted the tunnel as “a prime example of the kind of infrastructure investment needed to improve our waterways nationwide,” and emphasized the government’s commitment to rehabilitating England’s rivers, lakes, and seas, including the iconic Thames.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan referred to this accomplishment as “a significant milestone” in the effort to enhance the cleanliness of the city’s waterways.
