Current status of Fleming Way works after flooding disaster

The £33 million plan to build a new public transport hub, which has been ongoing since September 2022, took a huge hit in September 2024 when flooding completely submerged the roadworks.

The incident saw gallons of water cover the former site of the pedestrian underpass near The Parade after a new water main being installed as part of the ongoing work wasn't connected correctly.

Sandbags stopped the water flowing onto the diversion route used by shoppers, but for Fleming Way, the damage had already been done.

Flooding hit the Fleming Way project in September 2024 (Image: Swindon Borough Council) Residents in SN1 were left without running water for hours while Thames Water took steps to stop the flow of water from the pipe, then focused on pinpointing the damaged section and how best to fix it.

But the latest photos taken on Monday, October 28, show that work is continuing at the site, seemingly undeterred by the disruption.

Workers have been spotted laying the bricks which will make up the pedestrian walkways and islands between the roads, and soil has been laid in what will likely become flowerbeds.

The new public transport hub is due to be completed by autumn 2025, three years after work began.

When finished, all buses previously operating from Swindon bus station and from Fleming Way will leave from a single location that also serves inter-urban bus and coach services.

Latest photos show significant progress at Fleming Way (Image: Dave Cox) (Image: Dave Cox) Speaking after the flooding knockback, A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We repaired a burst water pipe on Fleming Way.

"However, our engineers remained on site to continue with planned works to assist with the new development.

"We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused."

The incident was met with dissatisfaction from locals who criticised the apparent lack of maintenance and foresight from the authorities.

As one resident pointed out, "Swindon’s infrastructure is crumbling before our eyes," reflecting a broader concern that such incidents might become more frequent due to ageing pipes and insufficient investment in their upkeep.

Concern was also raised about the expected competition date of the project being pushed back due to the flooding, but currently, work continues to progress as scheduled.

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