Horizontal Directional Drilling at Stoneham Lane

Key Project Details

Client – Southern Water Services Limited £450,000
Value – £450,000
Project Start – March 2024
Project Finish – May 2024
Location – Eastleigh, Hampshire
Works – 110m of new 225mm OD (outside diameter) PE (polyethylene) SDR11 pipe by directional drilling

Embracing No-Dig Technologies for Modern Infrastructure

Protecting the environment and minimising disruption is a crucial aspect of our operations at Cappagh Browne Utilities (CBUL). In recent years, the emergence of no-dig technologies has revolutionised the way we approach infrastructure projects. These innovative methods allow us to conduct necessary work without the need for extensive excavation. By employing these advanced techniques, we can avoid road closures whenever possible, thereby reducing the impact on residents, the environment, and the community. No-dig technologies not only help preserve the natural landscape but also contribute to more efficient and sustainable project execution, underscoring our commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Stoneham Lane

No-dig technologies present an excellent alternative to traditional open trench excavations, offering numerous advantages. In Stoneham Lane in Eastleigh, Hampshire, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) was used to upgrade the existing wastewater system, ensuring the system could handle increased capacity; crucial for supporting community growth. The selection of HDD over open trench techniques was driven by transportation restrictions, as closing the main road — a vital diversion route for the nearby motorway — was not feasible.

One of the primary benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is its ability to minimise landscape disruption, preserving natural habitats and reducing environmental impact. At Stoneham Lane, the necessity to cross the Monksbrook River made HDD the ideal choice for protecting the river habitat.

In areas such as river crossings, pipes have traditionally been run under bridges and exposed to the elements, cutting their lifespan by 50%-75%. HDD enables easier and more durable installation by burying pipes and utility lines, thereby enhancing their durability and lifespan. By tunnelling underneath environmentally protected areas, HDD maintains the integrity and condition of these sensitive areas with less disturbance.

Carys Hartigan, Assistant Project Manager, reflected on the project:
“In my role as an APM for Cappagh Browne, this was my first time seeing Horizontal Directional Drilling in action. I was able to appreciate the difference it made as opposed to open trench techniques in terms of limiting disruption and protecting the nearby river environment.”

Transforming Operations

The integration of HDD technology at Cappagh Browne has revolutionised the way we approach this type of project, bringing a wave of positive changes. By embracing HDD, we not only benefit from reduced operational costs but have also ushered in a new era of efficiency. With fewer trenches to dig and restore, the team can now focus more on precision and less on cleanup, translating into smoother workflows and significant savings. This technological leap has also streamlined manpower requirements, allowing for a leaner workforce without compromising productivity.

HDDs produce less waste, aligning with Cappagh Browne’s commitment to making environmental responsibility a cornerstone of our operations. It’s not just about cutting costs; it’s about leaving a smaller footprint and safeguarding our surroundings for future generations. Further initiatives to reduce environmental impact in the area have included the removal of Japanese knotweed, the installation of bat boxes to support native wildlife habitats, and the planned planting of new trees and bushes in the coming months.

Safety, too, has taken a leap forward. Fewer open trenches mean fewer hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. At the Stoneham Lane site, where HDD minimised exposure to bustling main roads, the team were able to concentrate on their tasks without the constant hum of traffic in the background.

Community-Friendly Construction

HDD isn’t just about efficient infrastructure development. It’s also about enhancing the quality of life for the surrounding community. Imagine quieter work zones where road closures are a thing of the past, and where the usual chaos of heavy machinery and traffic diversions gives way to a smoother, more serene environment. This innovative method not only speeds up installation times but also cuts down on soil displacement and site traffic, ensuring that neighbourhood streets remain accessible and safe for all. With no need for extensive traffic management or pedestrian detours, residents can carry on with their daily routines without the usual inconveniences.

Beyond Digging

Beyond digging, HDD technology epitomises a smarter approach to infrastructure development—a commitment to sustainability and efficiency. More than just getting the job done; it’s about safeguarding the future of our communities and fostering sustainable growth. The steadily increasing adoption of HDD represents a larger industry shift towards innovative, no-dig technologies, celebrated for their precision and minimal environmental impact. As technology advances, so does our capacity to lay the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable tomorrow.