The route of the pipeline took two years to plan and was designed to avoid residential areas where possible, meaning that it mainly passes through rural land, golf courses and parks.  It roughly follows the line of the East Lancashire Road through St Helens, Wigan, Warrington and Salford, then turns north into Bolton, Bury and Rochdale. 

The pipeline will be tunnelled underneath some of the region's busiest commuter routes including the M6, M61, M66 and the West Coast Mainline.  There are 24 tunnels in total along the route, the longest being the M61 tunnel which stretches 245 metres underneath the motorway close to Kearsley. 

The geography of the area was a particular issue when planning the route as the pipeline will be bi-directional, meaning that the water can flow in both directions.  From east to west the water flows downhill and runs by gravity alone, but from west to east it is pumped along the pipe, meaning that at no point along the route can the pipe be higher above sea level than it is at Woodgate Hill Reservoir.  Planners also had to take into consideration the coal mines and contaminated land along the route, as well as ecological and archaeological issues.

There are some instances where we cross footpaths and walking routes.  In the interests of health and safety we must close these paths but only after gaining permission from the local authority.  Where possible an alternative route will be signed but if this is not evident then an alternative may not be available.  We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

If you wish to access this video please download here