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Axford Pipeline Thames Water

Project Location:

Dorcan

Client Name:

Thames Water

Project Description:

OCU was appointed to deliver the Axford Pipeline scheme for Thames Water. The project involved constructing a 17.6km clean water pipeline, building a new booster station at Dorcan, and modifying facilities at  Whitefield Reservoir. 


The scheme was designed to reduce abstraction from the River Kennet – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – by providing an alternative, sustainable water supply for the region.  Works included 19 Horizontal Directional Drills (HDDs) and multiple complex crossings under sensitive and operational environments.

Key Stats:

  • 17.6km clean water pipeline (560mm and 500mm HDPE)

  • 19 Horizontal Directional Drills (HDDs), including crossings beneath the M4 Motorway and Great Western Railway

  • 4.2km of communication duct installed

  • New Dorcan Booster Station and Whitefield Reservoir extension 

18 Months

Duration

Challenge

  • Managing multiple HDD crossings beneath major infrastructure including M4, railway and trunk roads

  • Working within floodplains and near sensitive ecological and archaeological sites, including the Roman town of Durocornovium and the North Wessex Downs AONB

  • Maintaining progress amid route changes due to archaeological and ecological findings

  • Ensuring safe excavation and ‘no man-entry’ working practices in deep trenches

  • Additional works added during delivery, including new pumping station construction

Solution

  • Extensive planning and survey work to manage archaeological, ecological, and geotechnical constraints

  • Use of trenchless HDD methods  to cross sensitive areas without disturbance

  • Implementation of ‘no man-entry’ excavation policy, with safe systems of work and stepped  trench designs

  • Reuse of graded excavated materials for backfill, reducing import requirements and environmental impact

  • Dedicated logistics management and welding certification for over 17km of PE pipeline 

  • Collaborative engagement with stakeholders and local communities through regular consultation and communication

  • Robust SHEQ management with daily site checks and weekly audits

Outcome

  • Successfully delivered on programme and to budget

  • Over 60,000 man hours completed with zero lost-time or recordable incidents

  • Sustainable water supply secured, reducing abstraction from the River Kennet SSSI

  • New Dorcan Booster Station and Whitefield Reservoir upgrade completed to enhance network resilience

  • Strong environmental performance achieved through sensitive construction and material reuse

  • Positive stakeholder engagement and community relations maintained throughout the project

  • Delivery of complex multi-disciplinary infrastructure within environmentally sensitive area

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