Project Overview
An under‑road crossing pipeline passing beneath one of the busiest motorway routes in the South was the project JGL were appointed to deliver. The pipeline was designed to connect an EON Energy Centre to a new residential District Heating Network serving thousands of new homes and businesses within the Monkerton Development.
Challenges
The URX crossing passed through weak‑to‑strong sandstone and mudstone layers; however, this was managed effectively thanks to JGL’s highly experienced team.
After mobilising to site and constructing the drive pit and reception shaft, the team were exposed to very hard sandstone in the reception shaft and base of the tunnel horizon.
This raised concern on the proposed TBM's suitability - JGL proposed an alternative stronger TBM more suited to the existing ground conditions, which was agreed by the main contractor and deployed successfully by the team.
Additional challenges included:
- Installing heat transfer pipes in 12 m product lengths within restricted working conditions (both pipe and environment).
- Remote settlement, which JGL monitored daily to meet National Highways’ requirements for the crossing works..
Added Value
- By utilising our Group services and industry‑leading tunnelling operatives, we were able to develop enhanced solutions to overcome the difficult ground conditions quickly. Rapid access to in‑house equipment and services ensured excellent value for the client and, crucially, prevented any programme impact.
- JGL’s design team supported the URX M5 crossing design, application process, and management with National Highways and the local authority- an instrumental factor in the project’s overall success.
- All excavation and tunnelling materials were kept on site and repurposed by the main contractor to minimise waste and reduce the project’s carbon footprint. Imported materials were also reused in other parts of the project to further reduce waste levels.
