Lots of progress has been made at LRT, a £70m Anglian Water project, delivered in collaboration with @one Alliance and Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA). Barhale, in the role of principal contractor under the @one Alliance and the team have been contracted to construct a new 36km pipeline from Little Whelnetham near Bury St Edmunds to Wherstead Treatment Works, South of Ipswich. This runs across both the A12 and the Ipswich to London railway line. With 70% of the project completed, important milestones have already been achieved. These include a large archaeological dig, which was undertaken over several months to preserve and record a historical Roman 1st and 2nd century site, was completed August 2024. Directional drills have commenced, with 21 pipes in the ground and 30 welded. Additionally, 4 out of 6 drill shots have been completed and currently we are ahead of schedule reinstating the topsoil in 1 of 4 sections.

Significant customer engagement has been conducted throughout the project where the teams have built a good relationship with farmers and landowners. In terms of the subsoil ripping, the team is working closely with farmers to understand their business needs as depending upon which crop is planned to be planted, will determine how deep the directional ripping will go. Highlights of the project so far include, a successful archaeological dig, all pipework in section 3 complete, drill shots have already commenced and topsoil is in progress as well as the developing relationship with farmers and landowners.

The weather has created a significant challenge throughout this project, with rain affecting the soil in section 1 and 2 as well as part of section 3. The scheme is working in accordance with a Soil Management Plan (SMP) agreed by the National Farmers Union (NFU) which requires soil samples to be taken ahead of any work each morning, to determine the moisture content of the soil and whether it is suitable for handling.

“Since taking on the challenge to deliver this project to an obligated deadline, the project team has done remarkably well to plan and deliver a 36km pipeline governed by EIA restrictions. Within three months, a team was formed and the archaeology and enabling works started. Following pipelaying in June, the works are going to plan. The site teams worked hard during the summer months, taking advantage of dry weather as the work is predominantly within fields. Recent weather has slowed productivity, however the diligence and commitment of the site teams, working weekends, is steadily bringing us back on track to meet the programme end date.” Matt Jansen, LRT Contracts Manager (Eastern Region).

The drilling team have received approval for the directional drill under the A12 from Highways England and hope to receive permissions imminently from Network Rail where works cross the Ipswich to Liverpool Street railway line. Our team is working tirelessly to tackle these challenges, ensuring they successfully deliver the project, whilst supporting the local community and enhance resilience.

This project is testament to the collaborative efforts within the @one Alliance and SPA, combining cutting edge engineering with a shared vision for excellence. Watch out for further updates as the project progresses towards a successful completion of this vital infrastructure project.