Thames Water: London Victorian Water Mains

Client: Thames Water
Project: Replacement of London Victorian Water Main (RLVWM)
Value: £160m
Start: November 2002
Completion: 2010

Scope:

Clancy Docwra has been engaged in network replacement works in London since November 2002. This was initially as part of the Thames Network Upgrade Programme which was a pilot project involving the upgrade of a number of selected District Metering Areas in Metropolitan London.

In December 2003 bid documents were issued and Clancy Docwra was successful in being awarded an Alliance Agreement, initially for a five-year duration but with the potential to be extended to ten years.

This award was made on the basis of financial detail, in the form of both tender submission and past results, and also on competency and ability factors which had been clearly demonstrated in the previous 15 months of network upgrade in areas such as Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington and Holborn.

To date, there has been 67km of mains laid (ranging from 90mm to 355mm in diameter) and approx. 9000nr service connections completed. Of this 67km over 50% has been completed utilising trenchless techniques including directional drilling, pipe bursting and insertion.

The high percentage of trenchless mains installation has been achieved by employing an innovative approach to the works and ensuring pre-construction planning is intense and detailed. Expert utility apparatus locating services have been utilised along with a
disciplined attitude towards Health, Safety and Environmental factors.

The result has been an improved unit rate through an innovative approach, improved relations with the various London Boroughs through better communication and constant liaison, and an excellent H&S record with minimal damages or accidents
experienced to date.

Thames Water has now requested that Clancy Docwra move to North East London and replicate the standards and performance that has been achieved to date in the West. They have asked to develop relations with the various boroughs in this area in an
attempt to consolidate on the excellent start made so far.