CASE STUDY
Cadent and Stark Works collaborate for essential network reinforcement.
Background
In 2019, Cadent – formally known as National Grid – approached Stark Works to carry out essential network reinforcement works along Hounslow High Street. This was to facilitate a major upgrade to the existing infrastructure in the area. As part of its city-wide mission to modernise London’s gas infrastructure, Cadent nominated Stark Works as its contractor, based on the strong relationship that has been forged over several years and numerous projects.
Seamless upgrade from start to finish
Located in West London, Hounslow High Street is a bustling stretch of local shops, businesses and residential properties, serving as a core of the local community.
With an impressive daily footfall and serving approximately twenty bus routes, it was inevitable that the High Street would experience significant disruption to transport and access for pedestrians during work.
As with every project, Stark Works liaised closely with local authorities to ensure minimum disruption. Hounslow Highways arranged for Temporary Traffic Orders/ Road Closures and cycle lane suspensions along the High Street. In addition, TFL put buses on diversion to begin works.
220m
of new 315mm LP main installed
Sinkhole
discovered and repaired during excavation
Works begin with the public well informed
Keen to keep the community well informed, Cadent and Stark Works held a pop-up stand in the High Street shortly before the project commenced.
They invited locals and members of the public to raise any queries or questions, so that any concerns could be rapidly alleviated.
With the public on board, works began in early January, with the brief stipulating the installation of approx. 220m x new 315mm low-pressure reinforcement main along Hounslow High Street to ensure increased capacity in the surrounding network.
Plans specified an 18in under-pressure tee connection in Hanworth Road. And also a 125mm cut-in tee in Holloway Street to connect the reinforcement main.
Challenges overcome by the excellent Stark Works team
Despite the project’s scale, only a few challenges arose, notably a six-week suspension due to COVID-19 lockdown and the discovery and repair of a sinkhole during excavation on High Street.
Closure of Fair Street and access restrictions on Holloway Street and Hanworth Street were additional hurdles, complicated by a 36” water main obstructing Hanworth Road. A larger excavation (3m x 2.7m) with ground support was required, and congestion of utilities cables and pipes at the High Street and Holloway Road entrance led to a reduction in main diameter from 315mm to 250mm.
Despite running a sizeable project during what could be considered one of the most challenging times in recent history, the project was completed in August 2020, much to the client’s delight.
