Need help finding something?
PROJECTS
Exeter Drain Improvement Project
Services
Civil Engineering
Location
Spalding, Lincolnshire
Partners
Delivery: Jacksons Civil Engineering
Start & Completion
December 2025 – Ongoing
Spalding lies within the Lincolnshire Fens, where much of the land is at or near sea level and in some places below it. The area has been shaped over centuries by extensive drainage and land reclamation, making effective water management essential to support both the town and surrounding land today.
The Exeter Drain plays a vital role in managing surface water across the eastern side of this low-lying urban area, carrying water runoff from the local drainage network to Clay Lake pumping station, where water is pumped into the Coronation Channel.
Extending approximately 1.5 kilometres, Exeter Drain forms part of a wider network of drainage and flood risk management assets that protect homes, businesses and infrastructure from flooding.
The project has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency and Lincolnshire County Council (LCC).
Project Overview
The Exeter Drain consists of a combination of open channel sections and culverted (piped) watercourses. Inspections identified that several sections, particularly within the culverted lengths, have deteriorated significantly and now require major intervention. Sections of the pipeline have failed structurally causing restrictions to flow. Without these works , there is a risk of blockage which could prevent surface water from draining effectively from the catchment.
The planned improvement works include:
Culvert 1: The 300-metre section between Halmer Gate and Albert Street will be excavated and replaced. Access to the culvert will be required through residential gardens – the Board is working directly with residents to mitigate the impact of this work. The section of culvert running beneath Halmer Gate will be structurally lined.
Culvert 3: Approximately 175 metres of culvert will be lined, with an extension constructed at its southern end. Site access will be gained via Matmore Gate, Matmore Close, Finley Close and Mulberry Way. Stone will be imported to construct a crane trackway and working platform. Traffic management measures will be implemented to facilitate the haul route.
Culvert 4: An extension of approximately 40 metres will be constructed at the northern end, and the existing 75-metre culvert will be lined. Access will be via Mulberry Way and Clay Lake Lane.
Open Channel: Around 145 metres of concrete channel units running parallel to Spalding Drove will be replaced with concrete-encased sheet piling. Traffic management measures will be in place along Spalding Drove during the works.
Benefits
The project safeguards the long-term operation of the wider flood alleviation system in Spalding, helping to prevent surface water flooding across this urban catchment. In a worst-case failure scenario, flooding could affect up to 692 residential and several non-residential properties, with potential damages estimated at over £164 million. Carrying out these works substantially reduces that risk, helping to protect homes, businesses and essential services.
Although Exeter Drain is a heavily modified urban watercourse, environmental considerations have been carefully built into the project. Potential impacts on wildlife have been assessed by independent ecology and tree consultants, ensuring the timing and methods of construction have been planned to minimise disturbance as far as possible.
To ensure the future integrity of the culverts, trees within the 9m access strip are subject to removal (under Byelaw 10). For every tree removed, property owners will be compensated to enable replacement planting where a suitable location away from infrastructure can be identified. In addition, two further trees will be donated to local public open space sites that are seeking tree donations, helping to deliver a net gain in tree planting across the county.
Project Gallery