Engineers have begun work on National Grid Gas Distribution’s largest civil engineering project – a 330m long tunnel under the River Thames.
The project involves sinking a 30m deep shaft at each of the land locations, before excavating the tunnel using a micro tunnel boring machine (TBM), which will be remotely operated from above ground.
Part of National Grid’s work to update London’s gas infrastructure, the work involves three of London’s most famous locations: the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Battersea Park and the River Thames.
Major events at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, most notably the Chelsea Flower Show, have been factored into the timetable of works.
Map of National Grid’s tunnel underneath the River Thames
The first shaft, which will have a diameter of 7.5m, will be sunk in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea between January and March 2017. The site will then be cleared to avoid any disruption to the events over the summer. Work will then shift to Battersea Park where the second shaft – with a diameter of 6m – will be sunk between April and August 2017.
“This is National Grid Gas Distribution’s flagship civil engineering for the 2013-2021 regulatory period,” said project manager Andrew Hejdner. “We’re looking forward to getting started on the construction, which has taken almost 12 months of planning.
“Designing a 330m long tunnel that runs 30m under the River Thames is fairly straightforward in tunnelling terms; however, to secure so many permissions and factor in Thames Tideway’s works in such a short space of time is an impressive undertaking.
“Our project team have done a fantastic job in designing the river crossing and securing the necessary permissions.”
The project will be delivered by National Grid Gas Distribution’s strategic partner Triio, which also includes contractors Mott Macdonald and Skanska.
The tunnel forms part of National Grid’s £1bn investment in replacing ageing gas mains across the capital.
You might also like...
World first for grout monitoring innovation at London gas job
Thermal imaging has been used to monitor grout penetration behind precast concrete shaft rings for the first time.
Beluga whale among challenges for Lower Thames Crossing
The number of engineering challenges on the £6bn Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) will make it one of the most complex development consent orders (DCO) ever submitted, its project director has said.
Nine Elms new power supply reaches half way point
The pulling of the power cables which will provide the electricity to the new £9bn, 227ha Nine Elms development in south London is now half way through to completion.
Insight | Could buried power cables prevent further fires in California?
The deadly fire currently raging through California has caused unprecedented damage, but what can engineers do to reduce the risk of future fires?
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. Please note comments made online may also be published in the print edition of New Civil Engineer. Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.