About the
project
Hemel Hempstead to Stonecross Main
Hemel Hempstead to Stonecross Reservoir, Hertfordshire
Clean Water Engineering
RWP provided detailed design services for a new trunk main connecting Hemel Hempstead to Stonecross Reservoir, strengthening supply capacity and resilience across the Hertfordshire distribution network.
2022 - 2024
The Hemel Hempstead to Stonecross scheme involved the design of a new strategic trunk main to bolster supply capacity between the two key points on Affinity Water’s distribution network. The existing supply arrangement lacked resilience, with limited alternative routes in the event of a burst or planned maintenance.
RWP’s design addressed the complex routing requirements through suburban and rural environments, including multiple highway crossings, railway proximity and areas of ecological sensitivity. The scheme was designed to accommodate both current demand and projected growth in the region.
Construction methodologies were tailored to each section, with directional drilling specified for sensitive crossings and open-cut for accessible routes.
Key Challenges
- Long route through varied suburban and rural terrain.
- Multiple highway crossings requiring traffic management.
- Railway proximity requiring Network Rail engagement.
- Ecologically sensitive areas along the route.
- Future-proofing for projected demand growth.
Project Phases
- Strategic route assessment and optioneering.
- Stakeholder and regulatory engagement.
- Detailed design of pipeline and associated chambers.
- Construction methodology specification.
- Construction support and commissioning.
Achievements
- Strategic supply resilience significantly improved.
- Route optimised to minimise environmental impact.
- Design accommodated projected future demand.
- All regulatory approvals secured.
- Effective collaboration with Affinity Water throughout.
Conclusion
- Strategic trunk mains require early engagement with all route stakeholders.
- Tailored construction methodologies reduce programme risk.
- Designing for future demand avoids costly retrofitting.
The Hemel Hempstead to Stonecross project demonstrates RWP’s capability in delivering strategic clean water trunk main infrastructure, improving supply resilience across Affinity Water’s Hertfordshire network.
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