A three year, £20 million upgrade to ageing Victorian water pipes is under way.

Thames Water has confirmed that engineers began work in Pentonville Road today (February 12) on 1.2 miles of pipes that supply water to around 7,000 homes.

The first phase will see the road partially blocked close to the junction with Cumming Street for around six weeks.

Much of the network to be replaced was built in the early 19th Century, and Thames Water claims the project will help to reduced leaks and bursts.

It comes just months after two leaks caused flooding in nearby King’s Cross Road, blocking part of the street.

Ham & High: King’s Cross Road was partially flooded in NovemberKing’s Cross Road was partially flooded in November (Image: Supplied)

The work will last for three years and will primarily affect Pentonville Road, although it is also expected to extend into Clerkenwell through to Myddleton Passage.

Jaymin Patel, head of programme delivery at Thames Water, said: “We’re on a mission to drive down leakage, which is why we’re investing to upgrade our ageing Victorian pipes.

“The work on Pentonville Road is essential and will ensure we continue to deliver a safe and secure water supply to Londoners.”