Water network resilience in southeast London is set to improve as Barhale has been awarded the final phase of Thames Water’s £17 million Greenwich Trunk Main programme. The project is designed to increase network capacity and support growing demand across the Greenwich Peninsula.
Final phase of major water infrastructure project
Barhale will deliver the third and final phase of the 4km pipeline programme, installing the remaining 1km section of ductile iron pipeline between Blackwall Lane roundabout and the O2 arena.
The scheme follows the completion of earlier phases, including a section crossing the new Silvertown Tunnel. Once complete, the infrastructure will connect to an existing 800mm water main at Croon’s Hill and strengthen supply resilience across the area.
Supporting future water demand in southeast London
The project is intended to increase water network capacity within the Greenwich Peninsula, where significant residential and commercial development is taking place. Thames Water identified the upgrade as necessary to support future growth and maintain reliable supply.
Phase One of the scheme, which crossed Greenwich Park, represented the largest construction project undertaken in the park since the 2012 London Olympics.
Ice pigging to reduce water use and disruption
The final phase will use ice pigging technology during commissioning, marking the first use of the technique by Thames Water on infrastructure projects involving pipelines between 350mm and 800mm in diameter.
The process involves filling the pipeline with an ice slurry which is then pushed through the system to remove sediment and residues before chlorination. Compared with conventional flushing methods, the approach is expected to save nearly 1.8 million litres of water.
Reduced excavation and environmental impact
According to Barhale, the use of ice pigging will significantly reduce the number of excavation pits required during commissioning. The approach is also expected to reduce disruption and lower the project’s environmental impact.
Steve Collett, Contracts Manager at Barhale, said the method would reduce excavation requirements from 25 pits to six, while supporting faster commissioning and lower water use.
Project completion planned for 2027
Phase One of the Greenwich Trunk Main programme is expected to be commissioned in late 2026, with the remaining phases scheduled for completion in May 2027. Overall project completion is expected in July 2027.
