Thatcham – Aldermaston 33kV

Project Brief

LSTC was commissioned by SSEPD to provide a cable route to AWE Aldermaston from Thatcham Grid for a 4 x 33kV Circuit. The project itself was a 12km route within areas of rural farmland and commercial districts with major arterial roads in between. The route was intersected by 3 major, linear features: Kennett & Avon Canal, The Great Western Network Rail Line and The River Kennett all requiring crossing and technical consent.

Our Approach

Phase 1 route optioneering focused on feasible crossing points of these features in tandem with the Local Authority due to the traffic sensitivity of proposed routes. Given the strict timeframes, non-highway routes were discounted early on. Phase 1 studies highlighted all areas of engineering difficulty on each route and discounted on the basis of risk.

Phase 2 studies went on to minimize risk and procure consents in all areas identified in phase 1 for the proposed route, which included SGN HP Mains, EA river and flood plain consents, TTROs and traffic planning, HDD design and EHV hotspots for cable design. Following phase 2 detailed design, route costings (QS), cable feasibility reports and relevant consents documents were provided to 4 companies for construction in conjunction with the client (SSEN). This tender process enables competitive pricing focusing on a fully designed project with consenting in place prior to tender, thus minimising risk, construction times and cost. The project was energised in early 2016 with no deviation from the route proposal and detailed design.

Challenges

• To provide a viable route for the installation fully consented to be tendered for construction with highways approval.

Project Outcome / Deliverables

• Project management including cost, programme and progress reporting.
• Feasibility studies for particular technical solutions.
• Cost estimations of technical solutions.
• Programme delivery including estimated planning application periods and construction periods.
• Assessment of social/ecological impact based on the preferred route options/corridors or preferred site selection.
• Technical Consents, tender package and construction information.
• Provided detailed design and reports.