Layer to Langford Pipeline

Our Layer to Langford Pipeline Project team is using a non-intrusive method to cross two major Rivers in Essex, the River Blackwater and the Langford Cut.

The method, known as directional drilling, drills a tunnel beneath the rivers through which over 200m of pipeline will be pulled. The alternative to this would involve sheet piling the rivers to stop the flow, overpumping the water and then open cutting the rivers, potentially causing ecological and environmental disturbance.

Work started last week, beginning with the drilling of a pilot tunnel 6m beneath the river beds. This will be followed by work to widen the tunnel ready to accept the large diameter pipeline.

The drilling process itself is expected to take four weeks.