The upgrade of more than a kilometre of Victorian water main running beneath one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods – the streets around Victoria station – has been successfully completed, reducing the risk of leakage and bursts.

Civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale handed over Phase One of the Victoria Station Trunk Main Replacement to client Thames Water following successful commissioning of the rehabilitated 30” cast iron pipe.

To speed-up the project and to reduce the impact to the community, local businesses and commuters who pass through the railway terminus, Barhale opted to rehabilitate the length of pipe through using the sliplining technique, instead of traditional open-cut trenchwork.

Shane Gorman, Barhale’s Water Director (Southern Region), explained that the project had greatly benefitted from early engagement with the community and local stakeholders such as Westminster and TfL.

“Even by London’s standards, this project was in a really busy area, he said. “What’s more, the congestion above ground was matched below ground where there was an extremely high density of cables and pipes.

“It was an absolute priority for us to try to reduce any potential disruption caused by works so we spent a lot of time conducting a very detailed survey of the route which enabled us to maximise the length of sliplining.

“We are delighted with the success of the project which has improved network resilience with minimum impact and will bring peace of mind to residents and visitors to this part of the capital.”

Mark Taylor, Director of Delivery, London Infrastructure at Thames Water said: “This vital upgrade replaces a Victorian-era cast iron pipe that’s served London for over 100 years. By modernising this critical infrastructure, we’re ensuring a more reliable water supply for Londoners while significantly reducing leaks and minimising community disruption.

“We’re grateful to Barhale for completing phase one ahead of the Christmas period, allowing us to progress with remaining upgrades in the New Year with minimal impact to residents, businesses and commuters.”

The £16 million (across Phase One and Phase Two) Victoria Station upgrade is one of several projects Thames Water has undertaken across the capital, as part of its conditional allowance, whereby the company was granted £300 million by its economic regulator to enhance the performance of its London water network.

The investment has supported the water utility in future-proofing London’s pipework, helping to reduce leaks and protect future water supply.

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