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Trenchless solution keeps archaeologists happy
May Gurney's trenchless expertise is proving invaluable on a £2.6m project to upgrade gas mains in the archaeologically sensitive city of Chester.
May Gurney is working with National Grid Gas to carry out this major programme of mains replacement which, when complete, will make Chester one of the UK's first cities to boast an 'all plastic' PE network of medium pressure gas mains.
Chester's rich history, which spans nearly 2000 years, ensures keen interest from local archaeologists in any work undertaken there. "With all excavations monitored and checked for items of archaeological interest, the smaller the number of holes we have to dig the better," says Clive Read, May Gurney Utility Services' Interim Managing Director.
Phase one of the programme included a 250m section where the mains cross the River Dee within the deck of the Grosvenor Bridge. The historical importance and location of the bridge - it's an important crossing point for roads leading from the south of Chester - pointed to a trenchless solution.
An existing section of main was buried shallow within the bridge deck. Rather than having to open cut the whole section across the bridge (due to the large diameter and upsizing involved) the project team wanted to avoid disturbing the central span.
After considering all the options, the close fit PE trenchless method selected for lining the existing main on the bridge was the Rolldown system. Specialist subcontractor Subterra carried out this element of the work, with May Gurney excavating the launch pits either side of bridge structure.
The work took just seven days from initial mobilisation to commissioning, with the span section lined as one single continuous operation.
Craig Horrocks, National Grid's Term Contract Manager, said: "It was inevitable that this work resulted in some delays for people using roads on this side of the city - but by focusing on a trenchless solution for the main bridge span, it is very likely we dramatically reduced the overall impact of disruption.
"The lesson learnt from the Grosvenor Bridge project is that there is added value to be gained by looking at trenchless solutions early on in the planning of a project. We will continue to refine our approach with May Gurney to maximise trenchless opportunities as part of the overall north west programme of work,"
Craig Horrocks concluded.
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A sustainable approach
May Gurney's stated goal of 'Being the best' construction and support services company is accelerating its progress in working with customers to develop more sustainable ways of doing business.
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Recycling & Waste Management 08 (RWM08)
16-18 September
NEC, Birmingham
Stand 952
Click here for more details |
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2007 - an award-winning year more >
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