Five successful Microtunnelling Crossings completed in Bahrain
Joseph Gallagher Group has successfully completed another five 1,800mm ID microtunnelling crossings, totalling approximately 2km, as part of the Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Trunk Sewer project in Bahrain.
The project presented a number of significant technical challenges, with the drives passing beneath major highway interchanges and through complex ground conditions, including limestone, clay and significant groundwater pressures. Each crossing required detailed planning, precise guidance and close coordination between the tunnelling and wider project teams.
Using an ISEKI TCS1800 microtunnelling machine, the team achieved a maximum daily production rate of 21.75 metres. All five drives were successfully completed ahead of programme, with no recorded road settlement during the crossings.
One of the standout achievements was the second drive, which reached a breakthrough 121 metres ahead of the planned programme, demonstrating the team's ability to maintain high production while managing challenging underground conditions.
The works also involved managing changing geological conditions along the drives, with the team adapting operational parameters and maintaining close monitoring throughout each crossing to ensure safe and controlled progress.
The successful completion of the five crossings demonstrates the combination of specialist trenchless expertise, advanced equipment, careful planning and experienced project teams required to deliver complex underground infrastructure in demanding environments.
With approximately 2km of 1,800mm ID microtunnelling completed, the project represents another strong example of Joseph Gallagher Group's capability to deliver technically challenging trenchless works while maintaining programme, quality and safety objectives.
Delivered ahead of programme.
