Shooters Hill faces 20 months of road closures as Thames Water begins major pipe replacement works

Residents in Shooters Hill are warned to expect significant road closures, bus diversions, and travel disruption from November as Thames Water prepares to replace more than seven kilometres of ageing water mains.

The major programme of works will begin on Monday 2 November 2026 and is expected to continue until June 2028, affecting roads across the wider Shooters Hill area.

Around 7.3 kilometres of water mains will be replaced in an effort to tackle persistent leaks and bursts that have caused years of disruption for local residents.

According to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, there have been approximately 500 water main bursts in the area since 2017, resulting in 737 property-hours of interrupted water supplies.

The repeated problems have also led to emergency road closures, disrupted school runs and delays for commuters.

Road closures and bus diversions expected

The works will take place in phases over the next 20 months, with Thames Water staggering construction to reduce the impact on residents and businesses.

Road closures and bus diversions will be necessary throughout the programme, although the council says it is working closely with Thames Water and Transport for London (TfL) to keep disruption to a minimum.

Residents living on affected roads will receive letters outlining the planned works and any temporary closures closer to the time.

The programme will also pause for two weeks over Christmas, allowing roads to reopen during the festive period.

Passengers using local bus services are being advised to check their journeys before travelling, with diversions advertised through roadside signage, the TfL website and the TfL Go app.

Council says repairs are long overdue

Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, Greenwich Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, said the works were essential to addressing long-standing problems with the area's water network.

"Residents have endured unacceptable disruption from leaks and water issues, and the council has been pushing Thames Water to take meaningful action at the highest level to provide long-term solutions."

He acknowledged that the extensive works would cause further inconvenience but said the long-term benefits should outweigh the temporary disruption.

"We hope the short-term pain caused by the road closures and bus diversions will be worth the long-term gain of fewer leaks and emergency works, reliable water supply and easier journeys in and around the borough."

The council says it is also coordinating with other utility providers and local services to ensure essential activities, including home care visits and waste collections, can continue throughout the programme.

Thames Water will grit roads within its active works areas during winter, while the council will maintain its usual gritting arrangements elsewhere.

Residents invited to Thames Water drop-in session

Local people can learn more about the works and raise concerns directly with Thames Water at a public drop-in session later this month.

The session will take place on Wednesday 21 October, from 4 pm to 7 pm, at Shrewsbury House Community Centre, Bushmoor Crescent, Shooters Hill, SE18 3EG.

Residents can speak to Thames Water staff about the programme and its potential impact on their neighbourhood.

Thames Water says similar mains replacement projects elsewhere in London, including Camden, have significantly reduced leaks and bursts.

The Shooters Hill project is expected to continue until June 2028, with the council hoping the improvements will provide a more reliable water supply and reduce the need for disruptive emergency repairs.

Residents can check for bus diversions and travel updates using the TfL Journey Planner or the TfL Go app.