Case Study
Ducting Under 2 Rivers
Elite Utility Service install 300 metres of electrical ducting under 2 rivers in Cheshire
Project Overview
A residential development in Glazebury, Cheshire required the installation of an upgraded electrical feed. Elite Utility Services were therefore commissioned along with partner contractors EPS Trenchless Installations to install 300 metres of electrical ducting underground.
The project was required in a very environmentally sensitive location which incorporated crossing under 2 rivers. Therefore, an FRA3 Exemption Certificate was required to ensure compliance and responsible installation.
The use of trenchless installation methods was therefore ideal to provide minimal environmental disturbance and disruption, and horizontal directional drilling was used to precisely install the ducting over the course of 300 metres.
The work was carried out under a Section 50 license to maintain full accessibility to a narrow lane which was used daily by local residents, farm traffic and other businesses.
Project Challenges
Difficult access via narrow country lane: A narrow lane which is shared by farms, businesses and private homes was the only available route and full closure of the road was not an option.
Mixed Ground Conditions: The project involved various soil types such as clay and mudstone. The drilling method therefore had to be adaptive, and careful consideration was needed of subsurface conditions. Poor rock quality required adjustments to the drilling process accordingly.
River Crossings: The crossing of two separate rivers was required, and Horizontal Direction Drilling was used to provide a highly accurate bore path. FRA3 Exemption approval from the Environment Agency was therefore needed.
Directional Drilling Scope of Work
Thorough preparation was crucial to locate existing utilities and planning safe work execution. A full pre-drill investigation which including utility stat surveys, GI reports, GPR and submission of FRA3 documentation to the Environment Agency. All approval was granted prior to the work being commenced.
Bore Path Design for installation by horizontal directional drilling
Teratrak bore planning software was used to design a precise bore hole alignment which was environmentally sensitive and factored in geological variations, clearance constraints, and third-party asset protection.
The design was uploaded directly to the Elite Horizontal Directional Drilling rig to ensure exact steering during the drilling process. Live data was continuously monitored to validate alignment, verify depth, and produce accurate as-laid records.
This level of due diligence ensured the solution was constructible and safe but also futureproofed against regulatory scrutiny. This rigorous planning process demonstrates how proactive HDD design and ECI reduce project risk which optimises installation.
Materials & Specifications
3 x 180mm SDR11 Class 1 red Emtelle ducts were installed which are designed specifically for power. Each product pipe was butt-fused in 12-metre lengths with internal de-beading for smooth cable pulling.
Fused towing heads were securely installed to ensure safe and controlled pullback. Ducts were banded together at 2-metre intervals, allowing the trefoil arrangement to maintain its shape and integrity as it passed through the final 500mm outer diameter enlarged hole.
On-Site Problem-Solving
One of the key challenges was maintaining uninterrupted access along a narrow single-track lane used by residents, farms, and businesses. To overcome this, EPS strategically positioned the
Drilling equipment was strategically positioned in designated passing bays and wider verges, to ensure the narrow road was still accessible and traffic could continue to flow safely.
Coordination of plant movement and equipment deliveries was essential to prevent blockages in congested areas. All activities were fully compliant with Streetworks regulations, and during a scheduled site visit, the local council commended the considerate planning and execution.
Drilling Process
State-of-the-art drilling equipment was used to navigate through the varying ground conditions. The drill stem was guided using an DCI Falcon F5 system, which provided real-time electromagnetic signals and temperature data to ensure accurate steering.
The drilling process involved the use of a viscous fluid to facilitate the bore enlargement and stabilise the reamed paths. A back reamer was employed to create a sufficient diameter for the product pipe installation. The process was carefully monitored using a walkover guidance system to prevent any unguided drilling
Results and Outcomes
- On Time Horizontal Directional Drilling
- On Budget Directional Boring Cost
- Zero Utility Strikes
- FRA3 Approved and Compliant Installation
The project was delivered without any service interruptions, reinstatement issues, or delays and our client was extremely satisfied with the outcome. Our trenchless method proved to be cost-effective, with directional drilling costs significantly lower than traditional open-cut techniques for this project.
” Elite and EPS made what seemed a difficult job look easy. Their HDD team worked around sensitive access issues and delivered exactly what we needed, on time and without fuss. The use of accurate systems and their attention to stress limits ensured a safe and efficient installation.”
Conclusion
Elite Utility Services continue to set the standard for utility installations in sensitive and complex environments. From river crossings to live highways, we deliver trenchless excellence with minimal disruption. Our collaborative approach, EA-compliant planning, and hands-on expertise ensure our clients receive a reliable, future-ready installation.
We proudly delivered this complex project in partnership with EPS Trenchless Installations, whose team worked in coordination with Elite throughout the programme.
Looking for Horizontal Directional Drilling in Cheshire?
Elite Utility Services provide expert horizontal directional drilling and impact moling services throughout Cheshire.
Whether you’re required installation under driveways, highways, or restricted access, we can help. Our trenchless drilling methods offer significant advantages over conventional trenching, especially for short road crossing projects and in environmentally sensitive areas.