United Utilities begins tunnelling in Bolton
Construction of a network of storm-water storage tunnels under Bolton Arboretum and Longsight Park by United Utilities has started with the launch of a tunnelling boring machine (TBM).
The machine, named Jane in recognition of Jane Wilcock from the Friends of Longsight Park, was lowered into a launch pit and will spend 87 days tunnelling a 900m route from Firwood industrial estate toward the arboretum before making a sharp turn back to its final destination in Longsight Park.
When complete the tunnels will store more than 3,000 cubic meters of storm water – the equivalent of nearly one and a half Olympic size swimming pools. They will play a vital role in improving water quality in Bradshaw Brook, a tributary of the River Irwell, by reducing the number of times that storm overflows operate in heavy rainfall.
Jane will be navigated from an above ground control centre. A laser-guided navigation system will ensures she digs down to a maximum depth of 38m under the golf course and park.
The pre-made sections of pipeline will be automatically installed behind Jane and the excavated spoil will be crushed and brought to the surface using a suction system. Where possible the excavated earth will be recycled and used to backfill the excavations.
This is one of four projects that United Utilities is currently working on in Bolton to improve river water quality across the borough. The company is upgrading its treatment works in Bolton to increase the capacity of the works, improve the treatment processes at the plant, and reduce the time the storm overflow operates.
There are also schemes at Astley Bridge and Dunscar Bridge.
The project at Astley Bridge will see a 400 cubic meter storage tank built in Haywood’s Hollow. As well as extra storage, a new screen will be fitted to the overflow to help improve the water quality in Astley Brook.
Whilst at Dunscar Bridge a 200 cubic meter storage meter tank with a screen will be built to help improve the water quality in Eagley Brook and Gale Brook.
Jane Wilcock and other members of the Friends of Longsight Park joined members of the project team to see the launch of the tunnelling machine.
Jane said: “It is pleasing to see this huge infrastructure project being delivered in a way that minimises damage to the park and Bolton's arboretum [and to] have the digging machine named after me is a surprise and it will be exciting to see it launched. Having a sewage tunnelling drill named Jane, I feel sure it will be reliable and get the job done!
As part of its draft business plan for 2025 – 2030, United Utilities is also proposing to invest a record £13.7 billion to deliver cleaner rivers, more reliable water supplies, and extra support for customers struggling with bills in the North West.
The regulator will review the proposals and give its draft response by July 2024. The final plans will be agreed by December 2024.
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