FP McCann’s Precast Concrete Jacking Pipes utilised on Cumbrian flood alleviation scheme

Status: Completed

Location: Cumbria

Division: Tunnels & Shafts

Main Contractor: Story Rails

Market Sector: Commercial

Precast Concrete Jacking Pipes utilised on Cumbrian flood alleviation scheme

As part of a £5.2 million Environment flood alleviation scheme in Ulverston, Cumbria, FP McCann has supplied DN1800 precast concrete jacking pipes to form a brand new culvert running beneath the Furness railway line.

The Town Beck flood relief project will reduce flooding risk to almost 300 homes and local businesses, and is due for completion later this year. Network Rail and their principal North-West regional contractor, Story Rail, have been working to construct a replacement culvert within the rail embankment near to Ulverston’s Lund Terrace. The new culvert replaces an existing culvert which has significantly deteriorated in recent years and the old culvert will be capped off upon completion of the works. Also included in the scheme at Lund Terrace is a new flood wall. Specialist trenchless contractor AE Yates Trenchless Solutions Ltd is undertaking the pipe jacking works on behalf of Story Rail.Prior to the commencement of the tunnel boring and under track culvert crossing works, AE Yates constructed a battered drive pit with a pre-piled back wall.The tunneling work was undertaken using a MH3 Herrenknecht Backator mounted in an 1800 internal diameter shield. In total, some 50 metres of FP McCann’s DN 1800 jacking pipes each 2.47 metres long were driven. Each pipe was fitted with a stainless steel collar for added protection against corrosion in the culvert.

Commenting on the works, David Atkinson, Contracts Director for AE Yates said, “This trenchless method of under-track crossing is far less intrusive than an open-cut process. In this case, the 50 metre pipe culvert drive went as smoothly as expected with no disruption to the rail service running above. I am also proud to add that Network Rail awarded this site with their Safety and Welfare standards banner in recognition for their excellent working practices and overall performance. FP McCann’s deliveries to programme certainly contributed to this achievement.”

The flood alleviation scheme is due for completion in November 2017. This will increase the Environment Agency’s Standard of Protection in the area to protect against a 1 in 100-year storm event.

FP McCann can supply a full range of jacking pipes from DN450 to DN2400. They are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1916 and BS 5911-1.

For further information on FP McCann’s precast concrete Tunnel and Shaft solutions, contact the team at Cadeby on 01455 290780 or email sales@fpmccann.co.uk