A milestone has been reached on a £1 billion programme to replace ageing gas infrastructure in London.

Civil engineering specialist Barhale has achieved breakthrough of a 330-metre long tunnel under the Thames from Chelsea to Battersea Park.

The tunnel, which took over three weeks to complete, will contain a new gas pipe for gas distribution firm Cadent, helping to ensure safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.

Around 4,500m3 of material was excavated by the 'Amanda' Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which was controlled remotely by an above ground operator to carve out the 330-metre long tunnel.

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To prepare for the tunnelling, Barhale sunk two 30-metre shafts for Skanska Civils, part of Cadent's strategic partner tRII0, which also includes Mott McDonald. One of the shafts were installed in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the other in Battersea Park, south of the Thames.

Ovi Frunza, Barhale Contracts Manager, said: "As the tunnel was the deepest pipejack ever attempted under the river Thames, specific measures were put in place to mitigate for the ground conditions and confined environment of working in central London."

Andrew Hejdner, Project Manager for Cadent, said: "This is a key infrastructure project.

"It's a major commitment by Cadent and will guarantee gas supplies and help ensure that London remains one of the world's leading cities."

(LM/MH)