Case Studies

Directional Drilling Delivers Efficient Network Upgrades

Challenge

┬À Maintaining progress while working within a constrained rural environment, minimising disruption to local roads and surrounding farmland

┬À 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

┬À Rocky and uneven ground conditions beneath the surface slowed the directional drilling process, requiring additional care and precision

Solution

┬À Utilised trenchless directional drilling to install the new 90mm water main, significantly reducing surface excavation and disruption to the local area

┬À Adopted a controlled, methodical drilling approach, continuously monitoring and adjusting speeds and pressures in real time to manage challenging ground conditions and maintain accuracy.

┬À Managed site access and plant movements effectively despite adverse weather, maintaining safe and efficient operations throughout

┬À Delivered all works under a programmed road closure, ensuring efficient installation while minimising impact on the surrounding community and infrastructure

Outcome

┬À Successfully completed the project ahead of programme, maintaining consistent progress despite challenging conditions

┬À Delivered a high-quality installation of the full 900-metre water main using trenchless techniques

┬À Minimised disruption to the local road network and neighbouring farmland through reduced excavation by utilising directional drilling

┬À Completed all testing and commissioning activities to ensure the new main was fully operational

┬À Restored water flow and services to full capacity, providing a reliable and resilient supply for the local community

Directional Drilling Delivers Efficient Network Upgrades

Project Location

St Bees, Cumbria

Client

United Utilities

Description

IES Utility Solutions delivered a 900-metre water main installation in St Bees, Cumbria, for United Utilities. Utilising trenchless directional drilling techniques, the team installed a new 90mm main while minimising surface disruption across the route. Despite challenging weather and ground conditions, the project was completed ahead of programme, achieving a high-quality installation and ensuring continued service reliability for the local area.

Key Stats

  • 900 metres of new water main installed
  • 90mm pipe installed using trenchless technique of directional drilling
  • 5-person project site team
  • 6-week programme for mains rehabilitation

Project Delivered

January - February 2026

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