Work has Started!!

At long last work is underway. The contractor, SJB Construction Services Ltd, has created an access road, laid the cable ducting in the Visitor Centre Garden and started work on the connection with the outflow pipe.

The Victorians left us with a brick built stilling chamber that was designed to last.

Empty Settling Chamber - Ready to go?

Empty Settling Chamber – Ready to go?

The engineer’s instructions were to partially demolish by hand but despite more than 150 years in the water hands and even a hammer drill made no impression.

Hammer and Chisel won't do

Hammer and Chisel won’t do

A large hydraulic hammer was needed, as it was for the man hole built about the same time.

If it can crack concrete it can surely manage Victorian brick

If it can crack concrete it can surely manage Victorian brick

Finally after much digging and careful measurement of heights we have a hole but there is a solid base to build on.

Stilling Chamber removed and bed rock reached.  Next is a concrete base, thrust block and pipework.

Stilling Chamber removed and bed rock reached.

Next is a concrete base, thrust block and pipework.

 

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