Work has reached a key stage at Havant Thicket Reservoir, as Portsmouth Water marks progress on the UK’s first major new reservoir in decades.
Engineers spent 72 hours installing a 20-tonne steel wall beneath the main embankment, using a 100-tonne crane and working to within millimetres of precision.
The wall helps secure the pipeline tunnel, with further construction planned later this year and embankment works starting in the spring.
Because the mixture hardens quickly, teams worked around the clock in rotating shifts to complete the installation safely within 72 hours. The embankment will then be built over the top later this year, with construction due to start in the spring.
This innovative underground barrier was installed by the main reservoir works contractor, Future Water MJJV Ltd, with significant contributions from Coffey Geotechnics Ltd, Keller UK and GHD UK, whose expertise was key in making this a success.
Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth Water, said: "This is a major technical milestone for the Havant Thicket Reservoir project and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved. Working continuously for 72 hours presented challenges and we were acutely aware of the need to keep disruption to a minimum for local residents. We made sure noise and lighting were reduced as far as possible and installed an acoustic barrier, to ensure as little noise as possible travelled from site. I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this key piece of work took place.
"This milestone marks significant progress for the Havant Thicket Reservoir project, which will play a vital role in protecting two globally rare chalk streams in Hampshire, by providing a new, sustainable source of water. Last year saw excellent progress on site, and we look forward to our main earthworks season starting in spring this year."
The reservoir itself is being constructed by Future Water MJJV Ltd, a joint venture between leading civil engineering contractors Mackley and Jones Bros, with over 150 years of combined experience in complex civil engineering projects.
For more information about Havant Thicket Reservoir, visit: https://havant-thicket reservoir.uk.engagementhq.com
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