Beastly improvement

09/03/2006

A giant machine is reducing the time it takes a utility company to carry out essential improvement work.

Northumbrian Water is in the process of upgrading 130 kilometres of water main in a County Durham town – improving and maintaining water quality to thousands of customers’ properties.  It is the first time the water company has used the Italian trenching machine.

The powerful beast, which weighs 18,000 kilograms and can cut through the toughest of grounds like butter, is progressing work three-times quicker in Crook than a conventional digger would.  It also uses laser technology giving more precision as trenches are dug.

Phil Nixon, project manager for the £9 million Crook scheme, said:  “Using this new trenching machine will reduce the length of time we work in public highways and therefore reduce inconvenience to customers and commuters.

“The material dug up by the machine is instantly disposed of into a trailer instead of being piled up and then removed later – this keeps sites tidy, reduces work and saves time.”

Roger Culpin, street works section manager in Durham County Council's environment department, said:  “We are keen to encourage utility companies to try innovative methods to reduce any disruption on the County's roads.

"The trencher has been impressive in speeding up Northumbrian Water's pipe-laying operations in the highway to the benefit of the whole community.

For further information please contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.

Picture caption:  Northumbrian Water's Phil Nixon (left) and Durham County Council's Roger Culpin pose with the Italian beast!