Tideway builds new pier ahead of super sewer construction

Tideway has started work on a new pier at Blackfriars Bridge to allow continued use of river transport during construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel.

In preparation for construction of the 25-kilometre super sewer, the company has positioned a barge supporting a crane near Blackfriars Bridge to allow work to start on a new pier.

The pier, due to come into use later next year, will allow users of river bus service Thames Clippers to continue using the river while the Thames Tideway Tunnel is being constructed.

Tideway central project delivery manager Andy Alder said: “Getting the barge into place was no mean feat. The 20-metre-wide barge had to be carefully threaded under seven bridges and through the traffic on one of the busiest working rivers in the world.

“Alongside the man-made challenges, the crane also needed perfect tidal water levels and good weather before the movement could go ahead. This crane will give us the capability that we need to prepare the Blackfriars site for our vital work to upgrade London’s sewerage system.

“This work is taking place directly next to one of Sir Joseph Bazalgette’s famous interceptor sewers in the embankment, so it’s a fitting place to start our work.”

Every year, tens of millions of tonnes of sewage overflows into the River Thames from combined sewage overflow (CSO) points along the river.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel will intercept sewage from the 34 most polluting CSOs, including at Blackfriars, before transferring it to Thames Water’s Beckton Sewage Treatment Works.

During construction Tideway is aiming to transport 90 per cent of spoil from the main tunnel by river, drastically cutting down on the number of lorry trips that would otherwise be needed.