Gorsley, Herefordshire
Project Overview
A private developer required the renewal of 280 meters of 50mm rising main serving 11 newly built houses after the existing drainage field failed. The new pipeline route passed through a residential village environment, involving multiple road crossings, sections of traffic management, and localised road closures.
To minimise disruption while ensuring a durable long-term solution, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) was used for the majority of the installation.
- Client: Private Developer
- Location: Gorsley, Herefordshire
- Duration: 5 days
- Method: Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
- Length: ~280 meters
- Pipe Installed: 50mm MDPE SDR11
- Ground Conditions: Clay and mudrock
Challenges & Solutions
Failed Drainage Infrastructure:
The existing drainage field was no longer functioning, requiring a complete renewal of the rising main to restore effective wastewater discharge for the development.
Working Within Public Highways:
The route involved several road crossings, requiring stop/go traffic management and temporary road closures. HDD allowed the pipe to be installed beneath carriageways without full-width excavation, significantly reducing disruption.
Live Connection to Existing Manhole:
The new rising main had to be accurately connected into an existing manhole. Careful excavation and precise bore termination ensured a secure and reliable tie-in.
Execution Strategy
Trenchless Road Crossings:
HDD was used to bore beneath road surfaces, avoiding extensive excavation and reducing reinstatement requirements.
Managed Traffic Control:
Traffic management systems were implemented and coordinated to maintain safety and minimise inconvenience to residents and road users.
Final Connection Works:
At the termination point, excavation was carried out to expose the existing manhole, allowing the new pipework to be connected, tested, and commissioned.
Outcome
The rising main renewal was completed successfully within 5 days, restoring drainage for all 11 properties. Disruption to the village was kept to a minimum despite the complexity of the route and traffic constraints. The project delivered a robust, compliant, and long-term wastewater solution, demonstrating the effectiveness of HDD for infrastructure upgrades in sensitive residential environments.
