Ferrovial’s UK construction arm has been appointed to deliver a contract in the region of £230 million for a tunnelling project for National Grid.
The new Grain-to-Tilbury electricity infrastructure upgrade will run from early 2025 until Q1 2029.
The project is part of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the UK’s electricity network in generations.
It will be delivered by a joint venture between Ferrovial Construction and BEMO (Ferrovial BEMO JV).
It will involve the construction of a new 2.2 kilometre-long high voltage (400kv) cable tunnel and includes two 35 metre-deep shafts (15 metre and 12 metre diameter respectively), headhouses and Cable Sealing End (CSE) compounds.
Ferrovial BEMO JV will employ advanced engineering techniques and ‘state-of-the-art’ technology aimed at ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
A Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM) will be employed, to allow for simultaneous excavation and installation of the final lining from the surface.
It is hoped this will reduce construction time, environmental impact and ensure safety throughout its operation.
The VSM can be used under groundwater, ideal for the Grain-to-Tilbury project, only the second time the method will be used in the UK.
Ferrovial Construction’s previous tunnelling schemes delivered in the UK include the Thames Tideway Tunnel (FLO JV), the Silvertown Tunnel (Riverlinx CJV) and Northern Line Extension (FLO JV), among others.
In December, Ferrovial secured its largest UK construction contract in its history, with three contracts to design and build the track infrastructure for HS2, worth a combined value of around £3 billion.
Ferrovial said in a statement: “The Grain to Tilbury project will further solidify Ferrovial Construction’s presence in the UK market.
“The Grain to Tilbury project will further solidify Ferrovial Construction’s presence in the UK market.”
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