Oban Network Improvements

 

The project was programmed over a duration of 16 months and encountered a range of difficult geological ground conditions. The first phase of  programmed works commenced Nov 2020 and was divided into 5no areas which involved the replacement of 1.8km of pipework between Colonsay Terrace and the junction of McCaig Road with the A816. The final phase required the installation of an additional 500 metres of new pipes, connecting in to existing infrastructure at Tullich water treatment works. 

 

Many constraints had to be overcome on this complex project, from crossing a busy A road to Tunnelling below the main railway track into the town. These vital transport links could not be closed so innovative engineering solutions were required to overcome the constraints. This involved a delicate operation to tunnel 15m beneath an important railway line and also below a box culvert crossing the A816 road which was surrounded in rock. This involved round the clock drilling which was carried out by our approved subcontractors with no impact on the railway line or Scottish Water customers.

 

Through its completion, the new re-routed water main will help reduce the risk of flooding in the Soroba area of Oban, which has experienced significant bursts, causing flooding to Scottish Water customer properties for a number of years. A robust and reliable water supply was therefore essential, and our experienced team worked incredibly hard in often challenging circumstances and conditions to successfully deliver this project.