Trades : Civil Engineering News

Spencer Group to begin unique temporary walkway works on heritage bridge

Industry leading multi-disciplinary bridge works specialist Spencer Group has come up with a unique method to carry out essential works on an historic structure. Spencer Group is carrying out the design, construction, installation and maintenance of a temporary walkway for Grade II listed Connel Bridge, in Scotland, ahead of major

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LAND & WATER STARTS PHASE TWO OF WORKS AT BLENHEIM

After completing phase one of works at the end of 2020, leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water, is now starting phase two of a wider restoration project at Blenheim Estate. The restoration works, which are due to start this month, will see Land & Water begin the first

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TSL Contractors Launches new Utilities Division

TSL Contractors is proud to announce the latest addition of their offerings – a Utilities Division – enabling them to provide a full range of Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) services to both Commercial and Domestic Clients. Having recently become WIRS accredited , TSL is now in a position to

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Engineering Consultancy Appointed for Edinburgh Homes Projects

Engineering Consultancy Appointed for Edinburgh Homes Projects

The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed Will Rudd Davidson as consultant civil and structural engineers to oversee two housing projects in the capital and a survey of the condition of high rise homes in the city. The firm’s Edinburgh division will begin working on the design of new affordable

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Knight Architects’ active mobility bridge granted planning permission for Cambridgeshire development

Knight Architects’ design for a new bridge has been granted planning permission as part of Urban&Civic’s extraordinary vision for Waterbeach Barracks in Cambridgeshire. The transport infrastructure throughout the 716-acre site will embody the wider development’s well-connected, sustainable and landscape-led design approach, with Knight Architects’ unique bridge across the A10 supporting

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Barhale wins utilities work at HS2 Euston station

Mace Dragados joint venture has appointed Barhale to a major supplier contract at London’s HS2 Euston station. The award will see civils and infrastructure specialist Barhale undertake an extensive schedule of utilities infrastructure works at the site of the new high speed rail terminus. The programme will include the installation

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GRAHAM awarded Busway Bridge works for Belfast Transport Hub

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver the new Busway Bridge as part of the Belfast Transport Hub. The project will see alterations to the existing Translink Busway route which runs into the Europa BusCentre and will also enable the Belfast Transport Hub’s main works contractor to construct

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South West meets South East: marine and civil engineering firms join forces expanding expertise across the sector

Devon-based marine and civil engineering specialists, Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd (TMS) has become a 50% shareholder of Kent-based hydraulic engineering specialists, Hesselberg Hydro UK Ltd, combining nearly 60 years’ experience and expertise in the maritime construction sector. Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd (TMS) has been providing professional marine and land based

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Latest Issue

BDC 322 : Nov 2024

Trades : Civil Engineering News

Spencer Group to begin unique temporary walkway works on heritage bridge

Industry leading multi-disciplinary bridge works specialist Spencer Group has come up with a unique method to carry out essential works on an historic structure. Spencer Group is carrying out the design, construction, installation and maintenance of a temporary walkway for Grade II listed Connel Bridge, in Scotland, ahead of major deck replacement works. The walkway, which will be cantilevered off the east side of the bridge, will allow for pedestrian and cyclist access during the works to replace the entire deck, which will take place over the course of the next two years. The walkway is expected to be completed in four months, with the possibility of retaining the facility depending on a feasibility study and full public consultation. The walkway construction has been programmed to cause minimal disruption to traffic and the local community. The A828 Connel Bridge was the second largest cantilever bridge in Europe when it was built by Sir William Arrol in 1903. It links the villages of Connel and North Connel, close to Oban. Originally a railway bridge, it was used for both rail and road traffic from 1914, until the railway closed in 1966. The new steel walkway design will be in-keeping with the heritage of the bridge, with Spencer Group also self-delivering integrated street lighting. Spencer Group is carrying out the project for BEAR Scotland, a service provider in the Scottish roads maintenance sector, on behalf of the national transport agency for Scotland, Transport Scotland. The temporary walkway is part of the critical enabling works ahead of the deck replacement scheme and Spencer Group, which specialises in providing innovative solutions to complex engineering projects, is mitigating the impact the walkway works will have on traffic and the local community. Luke Fisher, Sector Lead for Bridges and Structures at Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to carry out this important project, which is the latest in our growing portfolio of heritage bridge works. “During the tender process, we focused our proposals on a sympathetic walkway design and methodologies that reduced traffic management during the construction works. “Our designers proposed a traditional steel walkway design that was in-keeping with the heritage of the bridge, clamping to the existing structure where possible, to minimise invasive construction works to the bridge interface points. “A key element of the project is also to minimise the impact on local residents and traffic, both on Connel Bridge and on the A85 below. “The original design intent was to install support brackets over the side of the masonry viaducts that would require rope access for installation, meaning traffic management would have needed to be in place on the A85. “We’ve come up with an alternative design solution that mitigates this, with brackets that can be installed from the confines of the bridge parapets. In addition, we’ve developed an installation methodology that allows our teams to install the new walkway progressively from the leading edge, almost eliminating the requirement for traffic management on the bridge during the works.” Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s North West Representative, said: “We appreciate the historical importance of the A828 Connel Bridge and the vital transport link it provides to local communities. “This project will allow teams to install a temporary footway on the east side of Connel Bridge, in advance of the deck replacement works which are scheduled to take place next year. The temporary walkway will maintain a route across the bridge whilst the bridge deck is replaced, as we will need to close the existing footpath and carriageway. “Alongside Transport Scotland, we are currently considering making the walkway a permanent facility and will carry out a feasibility study of the options available, which will include consultation with all key stakeholders.” Spencer Group delivers innovative engineering and construction solutions in the transport, infrastructure, materials handling, energy and industrial sectors. For further information about Spencer Group’s extensive bridge project capabilities, visit https://thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/bridges/.

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LAND & WATER STARTS PHASE TWO OF WORKS AT BLENHEIM

After completing phase one of works at the end of 2020, leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water, is now starting phase two of a wider restoration project at Blenheim Estate. The restoration works, which are due to start this month, will see Land & Water begin the first dredge of Queen’s Pool in over 100 years. The lake was created by Sir Capability Brown around 1763 as part of his extensive re-landscaping of the World Heritage Site. Land & Water will be removing 300,000 cubic metres of silt over the course of the nine months, which is enough to fill the height of Wembley Stadium, to return the lake to its ideal depth of two metres from its current shallows of 30cm. Charlie Oakes, Project Manager at Land & Water says, “It is great to be back at Blenheim and continuing works to safeguard the future, and protect the history, of this prestigious site and its landscapes. “Queen Pool has become heavily silted which can have a detrimental impact on its ecosystem. By carrying out these dredging works, we are able to increase the depth of the lake so that it can continue supporting the flora and fauna which thrives there. “Land & Water is also proud to be using HVO fuel throughout the project which is up to 90+% net carbon neutral and biodegradable meaning that we are significantly reducing the carbon output of these works.” “The dredge is one of the most ambitious civil engineering projects undertaken here at Blenheim over the last 300 years. It is vitally important to help ensure the long-term health of the lakes, surrounding waterways and parkland and the rich biodiversity that it supports as well as mitigating the risk of environmental damage due to climate change,” said Roy Cox, Blenheim Estate’s Director. “We’re delighted to be working with the hugely experienced team from Land & Water on this landmark programme which will write another fascinating chapter in the history of the Blenheim Estate,” he added. HVO fuel is a sustainable solution being harnessed by Land & Water as it continues to show its commitment towards becoming carbon net zero by 2030 and safeguarding the future of the planet. Land & Water has also been dedicated towards its social responsibility and has been working alongside the team at Blenheim to involve the local community in the restoration project through a competition that aims to name the specialist plant being used during the works. The winning names are Winston, Clementine, Swan, Mallard, Reg Who Likes To Dredge and Fair Rosamund.

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TSL Contractors Launches new Utilities Division

TSL Contractors is proud to announce the latest addition of their offerings – a Utilities Division – enabling them to provide a full range of Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) services to both Commercial and Domestic Clients. Having recently become WIRS accredited , TSL is now in a position to help individual end users, builders, public sector clients and national contractors with their utility connection requirements. TSL has been providing a variety of construction related services to private sector clients through to national contractors and public sector bodies for over 40 years. We have continually developed our service offering based on market demand and the ever changing industry landscape. From our main offices in Oban and Mull, TSL Utilities will carry out contracts throughout Scotland, including the Islands. The overall ethos that we carry through all divisions of the business mean that we are committed to: ●    Providing a professional service from beginning to end ●    Ensuring we have efficient and reliable teams dealing with all aspects of the project ●    Ensuring minimum disruption is caused throughout the process ●    Ensuring we are providing our clients with competitive pricing without compromising on quality The TSL Utilities division will be led by Jim McCormack, who has worked in the water industry for over 30 years. His extensive knowledge and experience will enable us to fully understand and deliver on the needs of our clients. Our staff are trained to the highest standards, and we use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure every job is completed in a professional manner and complies with the latest health and safety legislation. We strive to ensure every contract is completed to a high standard, and using the latest technology we can ensure all works are completed on time. TSL Utilities service offerings include: ●    A full design and build service ●    Installation of water infrastructure for both domestic and commercial clients ●    Water mains diversions ●    Water pressure testing & sampling ●    Connections and tie-ins to existing Scottish Water mains If you would like to find out more about how TSL can help with your current or future projects, please contact us by emailing: utilities@tslcontractors.co.uk. Website: https://www.tslcontractors.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsl.ltd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tsl-contractors-limited Twitter: https://twitter.com/TSL_Ltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tslcontractors

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GRAHAM awarded £16m construction phase of Chelmsford Bridge and Highway scheme

Civil engineering specialist firm GRAHAM has been appointed as the Principal Contractor to deliver a new bridge and link road as part of the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works (RDR Phase 3) project. The £16.77m project will connect the A130 Essex Regiment Way and the Beaulieu and Channels housing developments on the west side of the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) railway lines to the A12 Boreham interchange on the east side of the railway. The scheme will see the delivery of new highways infrastructure to facilitate future phases of development at the Beaulieu Development in Chelmsford for the client Countryside and L&Q. The works comprise of a new three-span bridge over the Great Eastern Main Line railway and A12 slip-road; and approach embankments on either side linking into the new Radial Distributor Road (RDR) and the existing Boreham Interchange. The infrastructure will also form part of a local bus route and the principal HGV traffic route between the A12 and Braintree and provide a link between the proposed new Beaulieu railway station on the east side of the railway. GRAHAM has already delivered the pre-construction phase of the contract, which required a fully coordinated design and installation methodology to meet the approval and standards of Highways England and Network Rail. As part of the contract, GRAHAM will provide the construction of a range of new highway infrastructure, including: A new three-span highway bridge structure  Piling Earthworks Soil retaining walls Bearings Stormwater (SUDS) drainage Road construction to include provision for pedestrians  Traffic signs and road markings  Traffic signal loops  Street lighting Fencing Vehicle restraint systems. Utility ducts Temporary works Other ancillary works Coordination with and programming of the works of statutory undertakers to carry out required diversion/protection works on the public highway All associated Traffic Management Works The new Beaulieu Rail Bridge will be a 161m long three-span structure of composite weathering steel fabricated plate girders on in-situ reinforced concrete column abutments and piers, with reinforced concrete pile-caps and bored cast in place reinforced concrete piles. The girders will be a constant depth over their full length. The superstructure will be constructed on site, off-line on adjacent land. GRAHAM will carry out the installation by raising the complete superstructure using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMT) which will carry it to its final position before lowering it onto the permanent bearings. This methodology has been used by GRAHAM successfully on previous bridge installations, notably on the Carpenter’s Land Bridge in 2020, a project that linked London’s East Bank to its International Quarter. GRAHAM has a proven track record in the Chelmsford area having completed the award-winning A138 Chelmer Viaduct – a £32m strategic highway, which has increased transport capacity and significantly improved journeys for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Discussing the award of this next phase of works, GRAHAM Managing Director Leo Martin said: “Following our appointment to design the bridge for this scheme under a Stage 1 Pre-construction Services contract which focused on optioneering, outline design and detailed design development, we were delighted to secure the build phase for the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 Works. “The use of SPMTs to install the complete bridge rather than the traditional usage of a crane is an example of our innovative approach to civil engineering infrastructure projects and this methodology will help us install the new superstructure in the safest and most efficient manner. Leo added: “We’re thrilled to be delivering another important infrastructure scheme in the Chelmsford region following our work on the award-winning A138 Chelmer Viaduct. The Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 works will provide important new transport links for the Beaulieu and Channels housing developments to the A12 Boreham Interchange, as well local bus and HGV routes between the A12 and Braintree. The project is another excellent opportunity for our team to show its capabilities in both the highways and rail sectors.” Work on the Chelmsford East Beaulieu S278 (RDR Phase 3) project is currently underway with an anticipated completion date in Spring 2023.

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Engineering Consultancy Appointed for Edinburgh Homes Projects

Engineering Consultancy Appointed for Edinburgh Homes Projects

The City of Edinburgh Council has appointed Will Rudd Davidson as consultant civil and structural engineers to oversee two housing projects in the capital and a survey of the condition of high rise homes in the city. The firm’s Edinburgh division will begin working on the design of new affordable homes at Leith Walk that will close a gap site to be vacated by an Edinburgh Tram’s construction team; and Powderhall former Waste Transfer Station, an ambitious project in Broughton neighbourhood of Edinburgh seeking planning permission to create around 220 new private and affordable homes. This will complement the new intergenerational facility and refurbished stables building that will also be delivered on the site by the Council, supported by its partners. Engineers at Will Rudd will have the opportunity to work on complex structural projects with Leith Walk being bounded to the front by listed buildings, the tram line and Powderhall, a brownfield redevelopment site, sitting adjacent to the Water of Leith and existing residential flats. The team at Will Rudd is also exploring how to make best use of low carbon technologies on the sites such as green roofs and PV panels. “All of the Will Rudd Davidson team are looking forward to supporting the delivery of these exciting projects and we will be taking a leading role in the design and development of the civil and structural aspects,” said Gillian Ogilvie, managing director, Will Rudd Davidson Edinburgh. “We will be working closely with the design and delivery team to develop the sites in conjunction with the brief. These projects present exciting challenges to our engineers, especially in the form of drainage infrastructure, flood risk and delivering energy efficient structures. It is always a pleasure for us to work on projects that deliver new and sustainably built homes in the capital and we look forward to working with the City of Edinburgh Council over the coming months.” As part of a drive by the City of Edinburgh Council to make all council homes carbon zero, Will Rudd Davidson has also been appointed to oversee all structural engineering elements of the investigation into the condition of 36 multi-storey blocks by the project management team at Faithful and Gould. A report to the council’s finance and resources committee references Will Rudd’s recent accomplishment of a similar project at Westfield Court in Gorgie which was ‘delivered to a high quality, on time and within budget’. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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Knight Architects’ active mobility bridge granted planning permission for Cambridgeshire development

Knight Architects’ design for a new bridge has been granted planning permission as part of Urban&Civic’s extraordinary vision for Waterbeach Barracks in Cambridgeshire. The transport infrastructure throughout the 716-acre site will embody the wider development’s well-connected, sustainable and landscape-led design approach, with Knight Architects’ unique bridge across the A10 supporting active mobility along the Mere Way cycleway for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. The new bridge will provide a distinctive architectural landmark for the development. The simple, elegant form reaches down to ground level at the entrance to the Barracks in a graceful sweep. The structure is instantly recognisable from the A10, the main road which runs parallel to the western edge of the development. It connects seamlessly with the active mobility routes either side of the bridge which represent a multi-million pound investment to upgrade a historic Right of Way into a new active mobility connection to one of Cambridge’s largest employment centres – the Cambridge Science Park. The form of the bridge pays homage to both the aviation history at Waterbeach and the natural landscape in the area, while the contrasting use of white and dark grey in the sculpted edge beams and deck / parapet sections respectively help to accentuate the bridge’s silhouette. The bridge sits modestly in the low fen-edge landscape, minimising impacts on the environment and has been arranged to respect the ancient Roman drainage and canal system of Car Dyke and Old Tillage, which run parallel to the A10. The approaches to the bridge are designed as gently sloped and vegetated embankments, blending the structure with the immediate landscape and providing users with an accessible, comfortable and enjoyable experience as they cross the bridge. Knight Architects Associate and project architect, Laura Langridge comments: “Our contextual and place-making design will form a fitting and recognisable entrance to the new Waterbeach development whilst supporting the sustainable aims of improving active mobility for this exciting neighbourhood and the wider community. We are excited to see it progress to installation next Spring.’’ Caroline Foster, Project Director for Waterbeach at Urban&Civic, added: “The new A10 bridge highlights our vision, commitment to and investment in sustainable transport. Not only will it provide a robust connection for the new cycle connection to the Science Park for future commuters, but it will also support connections between Waterbeach and Landbeach to help local people access the new services and amenities coming forward within the development in a sustainable way. We’re delighted to have secured planning for this elegant structure and excited about making sure its delivery is a key part of the sustainable delivery of the new community.”

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Barhale wins utilities work at HS2 Euston station

Mace Dragados joint venture has appointed Barhale to a major supplier contract at London’s HS2 Euston station. The award will see civils and infrastructure specialist Barhale undertake an extensive schedule of utilities infrastructure works at the site of the new high speed rail terminus. The programme will include the installation of 580 metres of 1.5m diameter combined sewer and 425 metres of 1-metre water main to move the path of two of the existing utilities in the area. The programme will also entail the installation of 380 metres of 355mm distribution water main and the diversion of more than seven further water mains plus gas mains and various multi-utilities along the route. Barhale contracts manager Mike Faherty welcomed the appointment and is looking forward to Barhale expanding its role in the HS2 programme.  “The HS2 Euston Station terminus is a gateway to one of the most significant transport schemes to be undertaken in the UK for decades,” he said. “We are proud to be a part of the team at Euston that will take forward this landmark project.  “The appointment reflects not just our experience and reputation for delivering on major capital projects but also the close working relationship we have fostered with the capital’s utility businesses – Thames Water in particular. “We are looking forward to working with Mace Dragados to achieve another important milestone in the HS2 programme.” Paul Leighton, Deputy Delivery Director for Mace Dragados, said: “As we build our team at Euston, having established industry names like Barhale among the ranks is going to bring invaluable experience and expertise. I’m excited to see that in action when Barhale starts its works on the ground.”   These utility works are expected to start in 2022 and run through until 2024, taking place in a phased manner to minimise disruption to the local area.

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GRAHAM awarded Busway Bridge works for Belfast Transport Hub

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver the new Busway Bridge as part of the Belfast Transport Hub. The project will see alterations to the existing Translink Busway route which runs into the Europa BusCentre and will also enable the Belfast Transport Hub’s main works contractor to construct the new integrated bus and rail infrastructure. This important Busway Bridge project will see GRAHAM’s civil engineering team install a new weathered steel bridge. The multi-million-pound Belfast Transport Hub regeneration project is a NI Executive Flagship project. Once complete, it will see the transformation of an 8-hectare city-centre site, delivering a modern high-quality integrated transport hub to enhance local and international connectivity with bus, coach, and rail links across Northern Ireland and beyond. It will also have a key environmental role in helping to attract more people to public transport, reducing congestion and air pollution in the region. The project will be a key driver of social, economic and environmental wellbeing for Belfast and Northern Ireland and will be at the heart of a new city neighbourhood called ‘Weavers Cross’ with imaginative mixed-use development proposals. Discussing the contract award, GRAHAM’s Contracts Director Andrew Henry said: “We’re pleased to have been awarded this additional package of works on the Belfast Transport Hub scheme, which will facilitate the wider construction of the Hub. “We have an excellent existing relationship with our client Translink, having successfully collaborated on several high-profile schemes including a new train maintenance facility at Adelaide Depot and the new Portrush Train Station, which have both brought major benefits to the areas they serve. “As experts in the field of civil engineering our teams will be on hand to deliver the new busway bridge safely and efficiently and to support the completion of the new train and bus deport by the main works contractor. We’re looking forward to playing our part in this transformational scheme and leaving a lasting legacy for transport in the city of Belfast. “ Lisa McFadden, Programme Manager, Belfast Transport Hub, said: “We are looking forward to working with GRAHAM on the construction of the Busway Bridge, an integral part of the exciting new Belfast Transport Hub Project. “Completion of this package of work will enable us to deliver our next stage of bus and rail infrastructure, future proofing our facilities, enhancing operational and passenger experience, creating smarter sustainable transport options and ensuring that Translink continues to be first choice for travel, for today, for tomorrow.”

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Akela wins contract to deliver piling for retail giant in Falkirk

Akela Ground Engineering (GE), part of the Akela Group, has secured a contract to deliver piling solutions for the extension of ALDI supermarket at Redbrae Road in Falkirk.  The project valued at £27k is the second project that Akela GE has secured with the retail giant in quick succession. It follows the successful completion of a large-scale refurbishment and extension of ALDI supermarket at Craig O’Loch Road in Forfar – worth approximately £70k.  The project will incorporate a number of sustainability features including using displacement piling which eliminates the need to dispose of soil offsite. Work is scheduled to begin on site this month and will be complete by March. Mark Markey, Akela Group Managing Director, said:  “This contract win closely follows our successful delivery of ALDI’s refurbishment in Forfar and is a shining example of the innovative solutions that we are using to deliver high quality and sustainable projects for our clients. “We are pleased to be working with ALDI again as we continue to grow our ground engineering and construction portfolio in the retail sector across Scotland.”

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South West meets South East: marine and civil engineering firms join forces expanding expertise across the sector

Devon-based marine and civil engineering specialists, Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd (TMS) has become a 50% shareholder of Kent-based hydraulic engineering specialists, Hesselberg Hydro UK Ltd, combining nearly 60 years’ experience and expertise in the maritime construction sector. Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd (TMS) has been providing professional marine and land based civil engineering services since 1991. With over 30 years’ experience working as a leading marine contracting business, the company boasts an impressive portfolio providing services including marine and civil construction, commercial diving, marine plant hire, piling, emergency repairs and flood defence works. Peter Stenner, Managing Director of TMS says; “We’re very proud to have achieved and maintained significant growth over the last decade and this growth has enabled us to comfortably complete multi-million-pound schemes to the satisfaction of our clients. This partnership investment with Hesselberg Hydro is most certainly going to compliment and aid further growth for both companies in the years ahead.” Mr Stenner continues; “There are many synergies between the two companies, both working side by side in similar sectors, using different techniques. We are very pleased to have now combined both company’s expertise, expanding and maximising our service offering further within the industry.” Originally part of the Norwegian A/S Sigurd Hesselberg group, Hesselberg Hydro UK Ltd was established in 1986 to concentrate on dam building. Now the company, with over 36 years’ experience, works in many sectors of hydraulic engineering specialising in the application of asphalt and particularly systems for erosion protection, underwater scour protection and waterproofing. The company’s comprehensive service encompasses feasibility studies and inspections together with design, installation, and maintenance of asphaltic structures for dams, reservoirs and lagoons, rivers and irrigation channels, ports and coastal environments, and landfill sites. Roger Smith, Director of Hesselberg Hydro says; “This is an exciting chapter for both companies. Combining the knowledge and experience of the Hesselberg Hydro team with the resources of Teignmouth Maritime Services will provide a stronger project delivery team to service a growing demand for our services.” To find out more about Teignmouth Maritime Services Ltd and Hesselberg Hydro, visit: www.tmsmaritime.co.uk / Hesselberg Hydro – Asphalt Specialists In Hydraulic Engineering (hesselberg-hydro.com)

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