Barhale were tasked with the resurfacing of a spine road at Longreach Sewage Treatment Works (STW), on behalf of Thames Water. This project was a critical component of maintaining and enhancing essential infrastructure within the STW.

As part of the project, the existing road (372m in length and 6m wide) was broken out and removed to the existing subgrade level (between 560-630mm depth). The new road formation was composed by one layer of geogrid TX150, 310mm of Primary Type 1, 150mm of Cement Bound Granular Mixture (CBGM) and then the team continued to lay three layers of tarmac. All kerbs were replaced with new ones.

It was essential to maintain access for Thames Water operations team with their daily activities as this was a live STW. This required sequential and logistical planning and the road working areas were split into 3 sections.

Within the excavation works, a number of unchartered services were safely exposed. This included two water diversions where a 110mm polyethylene was encountered at approximately 350mm below the tarmac and the main had to be lowered by Barhale to 900mm cover. An existing HV chamber concrete slab was also replaced.

A drainage system for the new road was installed, which was a combination of PVC pipework and ACO drain channels. Five DN1200mm manholes were installed, approximately 300 metres of pipework, 14 gullies and 68 metres of ACO drain channels with galvanised grates.

Barhale embraced sustainable practices by utilising a solar-powered office on-site within the summer months. This innovative solution eliminated the reliance on diesel generators, reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air quality in the vicinity. The solar panels harnessed renewable energy throughout the day, providing a consistent power source for lighting, heating, and office equipment. By integrating this green initiative, it demonstrates the team’s commitment to environmentally friendly operations while setting a benchmark for sustainability within our projects. This approach aligns with our goals to minimise environmental impact and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

The works not only ensured the durability and safety of the road but also aligns with Barhale’s commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative engineering solutions. By addressing both the immediate needs of the road surfacing and the long-term service requirements of Thames Water, Barhale’s effort on this project demonstrates the value of combining technical expertise with a clear focus on client and operational needs. This ensured that the works were successfully delivered and future-proofed for years to come. Thank you to the entire team for working so hard on this resilience project, including Jimmy Gill (Senior Project Manager), Adrian Ungureanu (Site Agent) and John Prendergast (Regional Manager).