Pen Y Ball Pipeline
Project Location:
North Wales
Client Name:
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Project Description:
OCU delivered the construction of a 5.2km clean water pipeline between Lixwm and Pen Y Ball Reservoir in North Wales. The route included 4km along a busy B road and 1.2km across agricultural land.
The works involved installation of 450mm and 400mm PE pipeline, including butt fusion welding, valve installations, trunk road crossings and multiple live connections. A new pressure reducing valve (PRV) complex was also constructed.
Key Stats:
5.2km clean water pipeline installed
1600m of 450mm SDR11 pipe
3600m of 400mm SDR17 pipe
5 live connections completed
New PRV complex constructed
6 Months
Duration
Challenge
Delivering pipeline installation along a live B road with traffic management constraints
Working through agricultural land with archaeological sensitivity including mine shafts
Managing difficult ground conditions including rock along the route
Coordinating multiple stakeholders including highways, landowners and environmental bodies
Maintaining safety across multiple work fronts and changing programme requirements
Solution
Installed pipeline using tracked excavation and controlled trenching methods
Undertook butt fusion welding using Trackstar system with certified joint testing
Implemented convoy traffic management system to control vehicle speeds safely
Coordinated works with Flintshire Highways through regular planning meetings
Installed stockproof fencing and managed easement corridor to control site access
Reused excavated materials for backfill to reduce environmental impact
Outcome
5.2km clean water pipeline successfully installed and commissioned
Safe delivery achieved across live highway and rural environments
Effective stakeholder coordination maintained throughout the project
Environmental impact reduced through reuse of excavated materials
Scheme delivered in line with client specifications and programme requirements
