The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP)
Project Overview – HARP
The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) is a major infrastructure upgrade designed to protect the long term supply of drinking water to Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. The original Haweswater Aqueduct, built in the 1950s, is a 110 kilometre pipeline transporting water from the Lake District to Greater Manchester. After 70 years of continuous service, key underground tunnel sections now need replacing. The upgrade programme, known as HARP, will renew six of these tunnel segments while maintaining the original purpose and route of the historic Haweswater Aqueduct.
Timeline & Progress
United Utilities submitted nine planning applications across seven planning authorities, all of which have now been approved. The programme involves constructing new replacement tunnel sections using modern tunnelling techniques to reduce surface disruption. Each tunnel section will have defined work compounds for construction and access. Procurement to appoint a contractor is under way, and appointment is expected in the first half of 2025. Major construction work is scheduled to begin in 2026, although some site investigation activity may take place earlier, with residents notified directly where required.
Location & Access
The Haweswater Aqueduct runs from Haweswater in the Lake District, through Cumbria and Lancashire, before reaching Greater Manchester. HARP focuses on six specific tunnel replacement areas along this route, each with planned working compounds:
- Docker & Swarthe – From Tebay Road (A685) to Kinn Road (A684), and from Reservoir Road (off the M6) to Old Town.
- Bowland & Marl Hill – From Helks Brow to Newton-in-Bowland, with compounds in Wray and Newton-in-Bowland, plus two compounds at Bonstone and Braddup near Slaidburn Road.
- Haslingden & Walmersley – Between Huncoat and Bury, requiring several compounds, including areas for mine grouting.
These targeted replacement sections will strengthen the aqueduct while keeping the existing water supply in operation, ensuring resilient drinking water for future generations.
Contractor Accommodation
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