An east London sewer is set to be upgraded with a £70 million investment.

Thames Water is investing in the project over the next three years to upgrade the Northern Outfall Sewer and ensure its pipelines are "resilient" for future generations.

The Victorian pipes were originally constructed between 1860 and 1865 and each sewer is 2.7 metres in diameter – large enough to drive a Transit van through.  

Richard Smith, Thames Water project manager, said: "The Victorians built thousands of miles of sewer pipes across London including the Northern Outfall Sewer. 

"As custodians of this incredible infrastructure we need to ensure our pipes are resilient to the pressures of climate change and population growth and we can continue to provide reliable services to our customers.

"This upgrade to our network will help protect customers and the health of the River Thames.  

"The Northern Outfall Sewer supplies Europe’s largest sewage works at Beckton, which treats the waste of more than four million Londoners, so we need to make sure the pipes continue providing this vital service for at least another 100 years."

The sewer runs from Wick Lane to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works.

Thames Water said work will start in March at three locations: Stratford High Street Underbridge, Manor Road Overbridge and Corporation Street Overbridge.