Sewer Relining Finishes
And in that time they’ve relined 400 metres using a “no dig” method that costs one fifth of a full replacement.
Not only that, it takes just 10% of the time – meaning Fosse Andre had to be closed for seven days, instead of 70.
Saying “no dig” makes it sound like an easy process. But it really isn’t, it’s just easier than digging up the road.
Essentially we create a new pipe within the existing one by installing a bespoke liner – which is manufactured and shipped from a company in Germany from the specifications we send them.
Before they can be fitted a small robot is sent through the current sewer to remove any existing obstructions caused by fats, oils, grease, tree roots or anything else that might have gotten in there.
Then and only then can we begin the installing process.
The liners arrive “deflated” inside a different, special liner. We attach a metal cable to one end of the liner and gently pull it through the sewer before “inflating” it and curing it in place using a high-powered UV lighting system – which makes the pipe absolutely rock hard.
The UV system is a painstaking task which needs to be done in one go along the length of the liner, which is smoothed out and cured into place as it goes. There can’t be any air bubbles or other kinks in it, or else it might fail prematurely.
Plus this entire operation is a logistical feat – requiring close co-ordination with the factory in Germany, contractors in the UK, the ferry company to get here, Traffic and Highways to arrange the road closures and even a police escort for the largest truck the company has to bring with them. Not to mention writing to the residents in affected roads, and having our teams prepped and readied to assist.
It takes nearly a year of planning, and although this year’s programme is done, we’re already starting the process for what’s going to happen in 2026.
Those liners we have put in the ground are going to last for 50 years – futureproofing this critical infrastructure for the next generation of islanders.