Yorkshire Water to begin £750k investment to reduce storm overflows in Apperley Bridge

Yorkshire Water is set to begin a project to reduce discharges from a storm overflow in Apperley Bridge into the river Aire. 

The project is set to begin on Monday 18 November, and will see Yorkshire Water’s partners Morrisons Water Services relining a section of the sewer network on Apperley Road to reduce surface water infiltration during periods of prolonged or heavy rainfall.  

Preventing surface water entering the network will reduce the level of flow in the sewer and decrease the frequency and duration of storm overflow discharges from the Harrogate Road combine sewer overflow into the watercourse, helping to improve river water quality. 

Once complete, the project will reduce discharges from this storm overflow by 27%. 

Omair Khan, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re underway with a £180m investment to reduce storm overflows across the region by April 2025. This project at Apperley Bridge is just one part of that investment and will significantly reduce the discharges from our overflow, helping to improve the health of the river Aire.” 

The project is expected to be completed on Friday 22 November. For the duration of the project, teams will be working overnight and a section of Apperley Road next to the junction with Harrogate Road will be closed between 11pm and 6am. There will be a diversion in place, and the closure will be lifted each morning.  

Omair added: “We thank road users and local residents in advance for their patience and understanding whilst we undertake this necessary work.” 

Yorkshire Water is working on additional projects to reduce discharges from storm overflows around Bradford, including one in Ravenscliffe and one on Dick Lane in Tyersal. Both projects are already underway.