Work was due to start this week on major improvements to the Exeter Drain, a vital part of Spalding’s flood protection network protecting almost 700 homes.
The underground channel runs through a number of gardens which will be affected when the 300m section is replaced. It runs between Halmer Gate and Albert Street, with a number of gardens in Cley Hall Drive and Maple Grove being excavated.
In total the 1.5km watercourse drains into the Coronation Channel next to the Spalding Drove Bridge.
“Carrying out these improvements now will help avoid significantly greater disruption and potential future damages estimated at £164m if the system were to fail,” said a spokesman for the South Holland Internal Drainage Board.
It is working with Jackson Civil Engineering on the project which will also see the lining of 175m of culvert and creation of an extension at the southern end.
There will also be a 40m extension at the northern end and lining of the 75m culvert. Around 145m of concrete channel units running parallel to Spalding Drove will be replaced.
Construction is expected to continue until next spring.
