Directional Drilling Delivers Efficient Network Upgrades
Challenge
· Maintaining progress while working within a constrained rural environment, minimising disruption to local roads and surrounding farmland
· Persistent strong winds and rainfall created saturated ground conditions, making site access and on-site operations more difficult, increasing the complexity of plant movement and safe working practices
· Rocky and uneven ground conditions beneath the surface slowed the directional drilling process, requiring additional care and precision
Solution
· Utilised trenchless directional drilling to install the new 90mm water main, significantly reducing surface excavation and disruption to the local area
· Adopted a controlled, methodical drilling approach, continuously monitoring and adjusting speeds and pressures in real time to manage challenging ground conditions and maintain accuracy.
· Managed site access and plant movements effectively despite adverse weather, maintaining safe and efficient operations throughout
· Delivered all works under a programmed road closure, ensuring efficient installation while minimising impact on the surrounding community and infrastructure
Outcome
· Successfully completed the project ahead of programme, maintaining consistent progress despite challenging conditions
· Delivered a high-quality installation of the full 900-metre water main using trenchless techniques
· Minimised disruption to the local road network and neighbouring farmland through reduced excavation by utilising directional drilling
· Completed all testing and commissioning activities to ensure the new main was fully operational
· Restored water flow and services to full capacity, providing a reliable and resilient supply for the local community
