26/08/2026
Directional Drilling Delivers Efficient Network Upgrades.
At the start of this year one of our water teams completed a water mains rehabilitation on a 900m stretch of mains in St Bees, Cumbria, utilising the trenchless technique of directional drilling.
Working through challenging weather conditions, including persistent rain and strong winds, alongside difficult and rocky ground conditions, the team adopted a controlled and methodical approach to maintain both accuracy and safety throughout the project.
By carefully managing drilling speeds and pressures, and continuously monitoring ground conditions, the team was able to adapt in real time to ensure the successful installation of the new 90mm main. The use of trenchless techniques also minimised disruption to surrounding roads and neighbouring farmland, allowing the project to progress efficiently within the planned road closure.
The result: a high-quality installation, completed safely and ahead of programme, with minimal impact on the local environment.
🔗 Read the full case study: https://iesutilities.co.uk/case-studies/directional-drilling-delivers-efficient-network-upgrades/