Is London Super Sewer Finished?

By Alice Nichols

The Thames Tideway Tunnel, also known as the London super sewer, is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. It is a major undertaking to improve the water quality of the River Thames and protect it from sewage overflow.

The project started in 2016 and was expected to be completed by 2023. So, is the London super sewer finished?

What is the London Super Sewer?

The Thames Tideway Tunnel is a 25-kilometer-long tunnel that will run under the River Thames. It will intercept sewage overflow from 34 combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that currently discharge into the river during heavy rainfall. The tunnel will transport the sewage to a treatment plant in East London, where it will be treated before being discharged into the river.

Why is it needed?

London’s sewer system was designed in the mid-19th century and has not been updated since then. As a result, during heavy rainfall, raw sewage mixed with rainwater overflows from CSOs into the river. This causes pollution and poses a risk to public health and marine life.

Progress so far

As of August 2021, around two-thirds of the tunnel has been constructed. The eastern section of the tunnel, which runs from Chambers Wharf to Abbey Mills Pumping Station, was completed in December 2020.

  • The central section of the tunnel, which runs from Carnwath Road in Fulham to Chambers Wharf in Bermondsey, is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
  • The western section of the tunnel, which runs from Acton Storm Tanks to Carnwath Road in Fulham, is expected to be completed by late 2023.

Challenges faced

The construction of the London super sewer has faced several challenges, including:

  • COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has caused delays and disruptions to the project.
  • Archaeological discoveries: Several archaeological discoveries have been made during the construction, including a Roman road and a burial ground.
  • Cost overruns: The project cost has increased from £4.2 billion to £5.1 billion due to delays and unforeseen challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the London super sewer is not yet finished, but it is progressing well. The eastern section of the tunnel has been completed, and the rest of the tunnel is expected to be completed by 2023. The project has faced several challenges, but it is still on track to improve the water quality of the River Thames and protect it from sewage overflow.