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News & Media > Utility Services

23:12:2010

Clearing muddy waters in Essex

Working on behalf of Essex & Suffolk Water (Northumbrian Water) May Gurney recently completed a complex water main installation under the A12 trunk road and Norwich to London Liverpool Street railway line – with no disruption to road traffic or rail services.

The project team deployed ‘no dig' techniques to directionally drill approx 190mtrs of 560mm HDPE potable water main under the rail track and road, including a slip road, at Springfield in Essex.

While the project was managed by May Gurney Utility Services, teams from May Gurney Design and Rail Services were also involved at various stages. May Gurney Rail Services assisted with work package plans and booking possessions with Network Rail to allow access to the track.

A topographical survey of the track commenced on 18 October and monitoring targets were installed at the same time.

As part of the drilling process a mud return line was used and May Gurney obtained a license from the Environment Agency to use a nearby stream culvert to act as a duct for the mud return line. The use of a mud recycling unit reduced the amount of mud produced by 80%.

The drilling process started on Monday 25 October and continued 24hrs a day until completion the following Monday 1 November, when team members were delighted to see the pipe pulled through and out of the reception pit.