Barhale Secures Contract to Safeguard London's Water Infrastructure

Barhale has been awarded a critical contract by Thames Water to reline an abstraction tunnel at the Ashford Common Water Treatment Works in Surrey. This project is crucial in ensuring the integrity of London's water supply infrastructure.

What Happened
Barhale's Tunnels & Aqueducts team identified inconsistencies in the existing glass reinforced plastic (GRP) liner during mandatory five-year inspections. These inconsistencies posed a risk to the underlying wedgeblock tunnel, which could impact the water supply to London. Under the new contract, Barhale will reline the affected section, thus safeguarding the city's drinking water supply. The project follows an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase where Barhale collaborated with Thames Water to address design and access challenges due to the congested underground infrastructure. The relining process will involve excavating to a depth of 3 meters to access the tunnel, removing the existing GRP liner, and constructing a new reinforced concrete liner to ensure long-term structural integrity.

What This Means for Your Business
For AECM professionals, this contract highlights the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and the opportunities it presents. Companies involved in infrastructure inspection, maintenance, and repair can find lucrative opportunities in similar projects, particularly those involving aging infrastructure requiring upgrades or repairs. Additionally, the project underscores the value of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) in addressing complex design and logistical challenges, which can lead to more efficient project execution and cost savings.

What US Operators Should Watch
US operators should keep an eye on the increasing trend of infrastructure maintenance projects, particularly those related to water supply and safety. This project exemplifies how early involvement in project design and planning can mitigate risks and streamline execution. Additionally, as cities globally face similar challenges with aging infrastructure, companies should track federal funding opportunities and compliance requirements that could impact their ability to bid on similar projects. Understanding the timelines for infrastructure inspections and maintenance cycles can provide a competitive edge in securing contracts.

Source: https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/barhale-to-help-protect-london-water-supply