A new drainage system and pump station to tackle flooding in Sankey Bridges has been successfully completed.
In September 2025, Warrington Borough Council announced a vital, flood risk management project to protect 62 homes and businesses along Liverpool Road, Sankey Bridges.
The project, designed and project managed by the council’s in-house engineering and flood risk management team, has now been completed, on schedule.
The collaboration between the council, the Environment Agency, and United Utilities addresses an urgent local need while enhancing long-term climate resilience. The council secured partnership funding totalling £946,000, with £546,000 coming from Environment Agency (Flood Defence Grant in Aid) and £400,000 coming from United Utilities (Sustainable Water Fund).
Liverpool Road sits in a natural low point between Hood Lane and Marina Avenue, causing heavy rainfall to accumulate rapidly and inundate the drainage network, resulting in flooding. It is a recognised hotspot, with severe flooding recorded since the 1960s, and major events in 2007, 2018, and Storm Christoph in 2021.
The project has delivered a new drainage system along Liverpool Road and Hood Lane, including drainage kerbs and an automated pumping station to capture and safely remove surface water. A dedicated power supply and backup overflow connection to the United Utilities network have also been installed to improve resilience.
The scheme also includes erosion protection works within the Sankey Canal and the resurfacing of the highway and footway between Marina Drive and Hood Lane. The road profile has been improved to help direct water more effectively into the drainage system, reducing the risk of flooding.
Key benefits of the project include:
For more information and a link to the original article, please click here.
