Case Study
Watlington Growth Scheme
A new foul water gravity sewer for a housing development — delivered two weeks ahead of programme, with a live manhole reconstruction kept in flow throughout.
Site works in progress — haul route and excavation corridor.
Scheme Type
Foul water gravity sewer
Specification
150mm · 1.5–2.0m deep
Programme
8 weeks · 2 ahead
Easement
20m · 3 soil layers
01 — Overview
A new foul gravity sewer for a growing community
The Watlington Growth Scheme delivered a new 150mm diameter foul water gravity sewer to serve a new housing development — installed at 1.5 to 2.0 metres depth across a 20m easement and connected into the existing network via a reconstructed live manhole.
Originally programmed at 10 weeks, the works were completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Disciplined daily planning and careful ground-condition controls kept production high and disruption to the farmer's field to a minimum.
02 — Engineering Challenges
Live flows, poor ground & layered ground
Four engineering challenges shaped how the works were sequenced — each addressed with careful planning and tight on-site controls.
1
Live Manhole Reconstruction
The existing ~2m deep manhole was removed and reconstructed in sections while maintaining continuous foul flows at all times — a carefully sequenced operation requiring close site management.
2
310m Bog Mat Haul Route
Poor ground conditions required 310m of bog mats along the hedge line to provide a stable haul route for articulated lorries delivering materials to site in all weather conditions.
3
Layered Reinstatement
The 20m easement required topsoil, subsoil and chalk to be stripped and stored separately, enabling accurate progressive reinstatement of the farmer's field.
4
Daily Pre-Start Briefings
10-minute pre-start briefings held every morning facilitated clear communication, forward planning and proactive risk management — contributing directly to early delivery.
Site Photography
On site
150mm gravity sewer installation in chalk.
Pipe laid in trench with protection cover.
Open excavation — sewer corridor.
Manhole removal — live flows maintained.
Reconstructed manhole — completed invert.
Progressive reinstatement to original condition.
03 — Outcomes
Delivered on time, on budget, to specification
8 wks
Early delivery — two weeks ahead of the original 10-week programme.
150mm
Gravity sewer installed at 1.5 to 2.0 metres depth across the easement.
310m
Of bog mats laid along the hedge line for safe HGV access in all weathers.
New gravity sewer successfully delivered two weeks ahead of programme, connecting the housing development to the foul water network — with live flows maintained throughout and the farmer's field restored to its original condition.
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