Anglian Water is ready to install 1km of new water pipes along High Street (B1115) in Bildeston. Starting next week (22 June), and lasting approximately five months, the £1 million project will help future proof the local water network and forms part of the water company’s wider £427 million investment programme in Suffolk to future proof the water network.

To carry out this important work safely, Anglian Water will need to close High Street (B1115) in sections to keep road users, residents and construction teams safe while the work is done. When road closures are needed a signposted diversion route will be in place via Hitcham, Cross Green, Stowmarket and Needham Market.

The work to install the new water pipes, which takes part in seven phases, will start from the junction of High Street (B1115) and the Ipswich Road (B1078) and will carry on north until the end of the village to the final phase - expected to be completed by November 2026 if everything runs smoothly.

Ashton Carradine, Customer Experience Specialist for the project, said: “The water pipes along High Street in Bildeston have reached the end of their useful life. This has led to over 30 bursts in the past 5 years, which we know has meant low pressure or a loss of supply for some households. That’s why we’re installing brand-new pipes now, to reduce the chances of future bursts and keep water flowing in the village for decades to come.

“We know the length and location of the project will have an impact on Bildeston but we’re keeping the local community updated about the work and would like to thank people in advance for their patience and understanding while we complete this important upgrade of the water supply network.”

The East of England is the driest part of the country, and also one of the fastest growing, with more than 700,000 new residents expected in the next 20 years. Anglian Water already sends nearly a billion of litres of clean and healthy drinking water to its customers each and every day. New infrastructure like new water pipes is needed to make sure there’s enough water for the future.

Anglian Water is building for better in the region by investing £348 million over the next five years to renew more than 1,100 kilometres of water pipes across the East of England – focusing on the pipes that need it most to help reduce leaks and keep water supplies reliable.

Carradine said: “Businesses on High Street will stay open throughout our work, and pedestrian access will be maintained. Vehicle access won’t be possible through closed sections of road, so residents and visitors will need to follow the signed diversion or walk to reach some businesses. We’d encourage everyone to keep supporting local businesses and to visit our dedicated webpage for details of our planned traffic management.”

While Anglian Water completes this essential work, customers’ water and sewerage services shouldn’t be affected, and if the water company does need to switch off the water supply for a short time, advance warning will be given. Local residents can access full details about the roadworks plan, diversion routes and any frequently asked questions on the project webpage at Building for better in Bildeston.

The Bildeston upgrade work follows the driest spring and summer since 1976, with the warmest summer on record for the UK. This meant the majority of Anglian Water’s water resources were at low levels heading into the 2025/26 winter. While high levels of rainfall over autumn and winter helped the company to replenish the majority of its resources, some of the East of England’s water sources are entering summer at below normal levels. Spring 2026 was England’s warmest on record, and in the Anglian region, it was the fourth driest on record. Therefore, Anglian Water’s experts are monitoring the water resources situation very closely to understand if there are any emerging risks, and to make sure the region is prepared for any unexpected weather.   

This work is being completed by Anglian Water’s Integrated Maintenance, Repair and Developer Services (IMRDS) Alliance, which tackles a wide range of challenges across the water supply network. From using smart meters to monitor water usage to replacing old pipes and connecting new homes and developments, the IMRDS Alliance supports growth across the region and protects water resources for future generations. You can find out more information here.

More information about the work in Bildeston can be found here.

Traffic management will be in place this work, which can be found below: