Critical relining work at Ashford Common Water Treatment Works will safeguard water supply for London and Surrey.
Barhale has been awarded a contract by Thames Water to reline a key abstraction tunnel at Ashford Common Water Treatment Works in Surrey, a vital step in protecting the water supply for London and surrounding areas. This project follows mandatory five-year inspections that revealed deterioration in the glass reinforced plastic liner of the Southern Inlet tunnel, posing a risk to the tunnel’s structural integrity and, by extension, the water supply infrastructure.
From a construction management perspective, this contract highlights the importance of thorough inspections and early intervention in maintaining critical underground assets. The project involves complex access challenges due to congested, layered tunnels beneath the site. Barhale’s approach includes careful excavation to expose the tunnel access points and the demolition of specific tunnel segments to enable safe entry and relining at a depth of nearly 20 metres. The process of removing the degraded liner, breaking out existing grout and concrete, and installing a new reinforced liner demands meticulous planning and coordination to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
Atico Solutions recognises that projects of this nature exemplify how proactive management and early contractor involvement are essential in delivering infrastructure upgrades smoothly. Close collaboration between client and contractor during design finalisation and site logistics planning mitigates risks associated with restricted access and complex underground conditions. Such disciplined construction management is key to protecting vital utilities and ensuring long-term resilience in London and the Home Counties’ water supply networks.
Source: The Construction Index
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