Capel Dewi River Crossing
Client: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
Scheme: Directional drilling of 355mm water main
This project was necessary due to the river bank erosion on the river Towy, near Capel Dewi, Carmarthen. An existing 15″ diameter steel potable water main had become exposed in the river bank. There was a requirement to replace the existing main with twin 355mm HPPE pipes under the river Towy. The channel width of the river at the proposed crossing point was approximately 35 metres wide.
To avoid open cutting an excavation through the existing eroded river embankment and which would have a significant ecological impact on the watercourse it was decided that directional drilling was the most environmentally friendly and economical method on construction.
Directional drilling commenced approximately 70 metres away from the river embankment and a shot approximately 180 metres long of 355mm diameter pipe was successfully installed 10 metres below the river bed at two locations. The two pipes were connected together and then connected to the existing potable water main supply. The existing 15″ main was abandoned.
This project was completely successful as both runs were installed without any river pollution and the river embankments were not affected by the new installation.
