Grandstand Road Slip Lining
Project Location:
Grandstand Road, Herefordshire
Client Name:
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Project Description:
OCU delivered a distribution mains renewal programme for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, installing 9.3 km of new mains following investigations into existing distribution assets. Works included renewal of ductile, cast and spun iron mains along Grandstand Road, a busy route bordered by residential and commercial properties and local points of interest.
While the wider scheme was completed predominantly via open-cut installation, the Grandstand Road section was better suited to a trenchless approach, reducing disruption and supporting safe, compliant delivery.
Key Stats:
9.3 km of new mains delivered
Residential and commercial constraints managed
Traffic, access and ecology maintained; full regulatory compliance achieved
Duration
Challenge
Presence of asbestos cement required full compliance with HSE legislation and strict controls for safe handling and disposal
The densely populated location required clear and ongoing communication with residents affected by driveway access changes and temporary footpath diversions
Managing traffic on a busy main road was critical to maintaining safe access and programme delivery
A two-week shutdown over the Christmas period introduced additional programme constraints
Plant and equipment security was essential to prevent vandalism when left on site overnight
Solution
Pedestrian access was maintained throughout, with traffic management arrangements regularly reviewed and adapted as works progressed
Detailed traffic management plans were submitted to the client, providing clear arrangements for vehicle movements and minimising disruption to residents and local services
Plant and equipment were secured using Heras fencing where overnight storage was required
High standards of site cleanliness and housekeeping were maintained at all times
Residents were kept informed of planned works, with access reinstated as quickly as possible following each phase
Outcome
The scheme was successfully delivered with 9.3 km of new water mains installed, overcoming complex environmental, traffic and access constraints
Effective management of asbestos cement, unlined cast iron and ecological considerations ensured full regulatory compliance throughout the works
Trenchless construction methods minimised disruption to residents, businesses and the wider road network
All water main isolations were completed in full compliance with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
Cleaning, commissioning and handover were completed by OCU in line with client requirements, resulting in a reliable and future-proofed network
