The extra stretch will take the total pipeline network to 580km, transferring water from wetter areas like North Lincolnshire to drier regions across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

SPA – made up of Costain, Farrans, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley – has already delivered over 200km since the alliance was formed in 2020.

The extended programme aims to boost drought resilience and cut reliance on environmentally sensitive water sources such as chalk streams.

Anglian Water’s Jason Tucker said the alliancing model “continues to be an exemplar in the infrastructure industry” as the utility rolls out its biggest-ever investment programme.

Sam White, managing director, natural resources at Costain, said: “Anglian Water and the Strategic Pipeline Alliance have adopted and embraced a collaborative approach that has proven to be a breeding ground for innovation and efficiency on this complex but critical project.”

SPA teams have introduced innovations like low-water commissioning using compressed air, slashing water use on pipe cleaning by 85%.