The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline helps transport gas to tens of thousands of properties in the area. Assessments of the pipeline, along with a history of settlement and leakages have created a need to re-position the pipeline away from the canal embankment and within the adjacent field.
United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) will install a new 850-metre diversion in heavy wall 12-inch steel pipe, parallel with the existing pipeline but outside of the immediate embankment area.
ULIS will undertake the civil and mechanical installation of the diversion, including a 75-metre long, 1200 mm diameter micro-tunnel below the Ulverston canal, minimising disruption to the surrounding area.
The working area is right next to Morecambe Bay, which is a European designated Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Therefore ULIS has to ensure provisions are in place within the programme for scheduled visits from ecologists before any ecologically sensitive works.
Once the new pipeline is operational, the existing pipeline will be decommissioned.