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Introduction
Currently, untreated sewage regularly overflows into the River Thames from Londons Victorian sewerage system via combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The proposed Thames Tunnel would intercept these overflows through the use of a new storage and transfer tunnel, which would link west London and Abbey Mills Pumping Station. The sewage flow would then be transferred to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works via the Lee Tunnel. The reduction in untreated sewage entering the River Thames would bring long-term benefits for the environment and users of the River Thames. In order to deliver the project we need a number of sites along the route and this document identifies our current preferred site at Victoria Embankment Foreshore.
Key facts
Local authority: CSO name: CSO spill volume in an average year: Site type: Duration of main construction works: City of Westminster Regent Street 94,000m (equivalent to approximately 38 Olympic swimming pools) CSO site Approximately four and a half years.
Thames Tunnel
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Introduction
n tra
Ch
ar St ing at Cr ion os s
North
Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Proposed tunnel route centreline Local authority boundary Existing sewer Existing CSO
umbe
rland
Aven ue
Hungerford Bridge
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
LAMBETH
ankmen
Victoria Emb
Related documents:
Q&A
Construction
Section 2: Construction
Construction activities
Construction activities are required to control the CSO flows by linking the existing northern Low Level Sewer No.1 to the main tunnel. We would construct an overflow weir chamber in the Low Level Sewer No.1. A connection culvert would link the overflow weir chamber to a drop shaft (approximately 50m deep), from which flows would pass down to a short connection tunnel. This would then join to the main tunnel. Figure 2A illustrates the below ground infrastructure proposed. Since a permanent structure extending into the River Thames is required, construction works would take place within the foreshore of the River Thames. These activities would take place within the area indicated by the red line in Figure 1A, in five main phases, lasting approximately four and a half years in total. The main construction activities at this site are set out in Table 2.1.
Figure reference
Typical working hours Utilities connected Utilities diverted or protected Site cleared
Varies
Temporary works in River Thames constructed Site facilities and access set up Drop shaft excavated and built Tunnel boring machine delivered to site and assembled Short connection tunnel excavated and built Above and below ground structures constructed Mechanical and electrical equipment installed Temporary works in River Thames removed Site restored and landscaped Temporary site facilities removed
Our typical working hours are expected to be: Standard: 8am-6pm weekdays, 8am-1pm Saturday* Extended standard: 6pm-10pm weekdays, 1pm-5pm Saturdays Continuous: 24 hours a day, seven days a week** Varies: Working hours for advanced works will depend on the nature of the works and will be agreed with the local authority
* Standard working hours would also include, subject to agreement with the local authority: a short period (up to one hour) before works start and after they have finished to allow our workers to prepare for work and check the site. equipment and machinery maintenance could also take place 1pm-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday. ** The main activities taking place 24 hours a day are below ground or within an enclosure.
Construction
Advance works
P1 P2
P3 P4
P5
Figure 2B: Construction timeline showing approximate duration of works in phases (P)
Construction
Initial closure of westbound carriageway (advance works only diversion of underground utilities)
Maximum extent of construction site for phase 1 Two way traffic Jack up barge servicing piling operations Site hoarding/ traffic barrier Cofferdam Local authority boundary Tattershall Castle to be relocated Site support/welfare Traffic lane coned off for site access Site access
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
Westbound carriageway partly re-opened on completion of advance works, part closed for site access
Maximum extent of construction site for phases 2 and 3 Cranes Site hoarding/ traffic barrier Cofferdam Local authority boundary Site support/welfare CITY OF WESTMINSTER Drop shaft Excavated material storage and processing Maintenance workshop and storage Internal site road Traffic lane coned off for site access Site access Existing Thames Path Possible location of permanently relocated Tattershall Castle Thames Path diversion LAMBETH
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Construction
Maximum extent of construction site for phase 4 Cranes Site hoarding/ traffic barrier Cofferdam Local authority boundary Site support/welfare CITY OF WESTMINSTER Drop [Thames Water to provide plan] shaft Excavated material storage and processing Maintenance workshop and storage Internal site road Traffic lane coned off for site access Site access Possible location of permanently relocated Tattershall Castle Existing Thames Path Thames Path diversion LAMBETH N
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When
Type of works
Installation equipment to monitor environmental matters such as noise, vibration and dust. Protection works to third party structures (such as buildings, bridges and tunnels).
What we would do
The locations of monitoring equipment would be agreed with the local authority and relevant landowners. We would undertake studies to identify any effects our construction work may have on third party structures. The studies may recommend particular construction methods or, in very limited instances, protection works. There are two large gas mains and approximately 20 fibre optic telecommunication cables inside the river wall, as well as small power cables beneath the embankment footpath, all of which would require diverting into the Victoria Embankment (A3211) carriageway to enable the new connection to the northern Low Level Sewer No.1. We expect to connect to utilities in Victoria Embankment (A3211). These may need to extend beyond our site and could include relocating kerb lines, repainting road lines and modifying traffic signals. There is a possibility that as the detailed design is developed we may need to undertake dredging to allow barges to get to and from our site. We may need to carry out works to strengthen the river bed to avoid scour. We expect to connect to utilities in Victoria Embankment (A3211).
Diversion of utilities.
Temporary connection to utilities (such as water, sewer, phone and electricity supply). Traffic management works.
Dredging. Protection of the riverbed Required for operational phase Permanent connection to utilities (such as water, phone and electricity supply) for the operational tunnel.
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Construction
Phase 3 Tunnelling
15 lorries 3 barges
23 lorries none
5 lorries none
Table 2.3: Average daily lorry and barge visits during the peak months
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Issue
Construction activities will require the permanent relocation of the Tattershall Castle floating bar and restaurant. Possible effects on the Grade II listed embankment including the wall, sturgeon lamps, festoon lighting columns and sphinx seat.
Our response
We will be consulting with the owners of the vessel, Westminster City Council and the Port of London Authority to enable its permanent relocation during construction. The embankment wall will be partly removed with its historic features dismantled, protected and stored. The remaining wall would be suitably protected during construction. We have sought to minimise disruption to the local road network through our site layout, design and phasing of our construction works. During construction, two-way traffic along the Victoria Embankment (A3211) would be maintained. We would manage the effects of road transport through our traffic management plans, which will seek to limit the number of vehicle movements and hours of operation, identify the most suitable site access points and any necessary highway management arrangements. As already set out, we also propose to use barges to bring in and take away the material used to fill the cofferdam, which would reduce the number of lorry movements from this site by approximately 45% over the construction period. 14
Possible effect of temporary road restrictions and construction vehicles on the volume of traffic on the Victoria Embankment (A3211).
Construction
Issue
Our response
The Thames Path would be temporarily diverted away from the River Temporary diversion of the Thames Path. Thames via a safe alternative route to the west of Victoria Embankment (A3211). Since phase one consultation the cofferdam has been relocated further south, away from the Hungerford Bridge, to reduce potential effects on river flow and river services. This also removes the need to move the Hispaniola restaurant ship during construction works. Possible effect of temporary cofferdam on river traffic services operating from Embankment Pier. We will continue to liaise with the Port of London Authority and Thames Clippers to reduce these effects. We have undertaken modelling to test the effect that the structure has on the flow of the river. The modelling has shown the proposed structure to be satisfactory and the Port of London Authority and other key stakeholders are satisfied the permanent works have a minimum effect on river navigation. A full navigational risk assessment will be undertaken for the temporary and permanent works. The contractor would be required to implement noise and vibration control measures at the worksite, which will be set out in the CoCP. Continuous tunnelling would only be undertaken for a short period of time to construct a connection tunnel from the drop shaft to the main tunnel. Preliminary findings indicate that while there is the potential for dust nuisance effects, there are unlikely to be any significant local air quality effects at any of the sites. The contractor would put in place air and dust control measures at the worksite, which will be set out in the CoCP. Nearby buildings, bridges and tunnels would be monitored where applicable throughout the construction period. Other specific construction management measures for this site would be agreed with the relevant owners of the structures.
Possible effect of noise and vibration on neighbouring areas from construction activities and short term 24 hour tunnelling. Possible effects on local air quality and dust nuisance in neighbouring areas.
Possible effects of construction activities on the existing pipe subway and underground railway lines.
Table 2.4: Key issues relating to construction
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Design
Since phase one consultation we have progressed the design for the permanent use and appearance of the structures at Victoria Embankment Foreshore. The design of the permanent proposals follows our scheme-wide principles and takes into account comments made and ongoing engagement with Westminster City Council and other technical consultees. Our permanent works, which are formed within a structure extending into the foreshore of the River Thames, need to incorporate functional elements which are required for the operation of the main tunnel. These include:
Issue
Preserving the existing design of the Grade II listed embankment (by Bazalgette).
Our response
The proposed structure is rectangular in shape to reflect other 19th Century elements of Bazalgettes embankment, including the RAF memorial/Whitehall Steps and Cleopatras Needle. The proposed materials would complement those of the embankment while making it clear that a new extension to it had been formed. The proposed new public space would be aligned with the existing Victoria Embankment Gardens in order to provide a visual link between the two spaces.
The effect on the historic setting of the site, including views along the River Thames to the Palace of Westminster.
Stone piers would be used to mark where the embankment walls end; these would house our electrical and control kiosks. Lighting on the new structure would be provided at ground level in order to minimise light spill onto the River Thames and not detract from the night view of the row of festoon lighting from the south. The ventilation columns, in common with the scheme-wide ventilation strategy, are thinner and shorter than those proposed at phase one consultation. 16
Future use
Issue
New design requires the permanent relocation of the Tattershall Castle floating bar and restaurant. Effects on river navigation and hydraulics. The surrounding area attracts large numbers of tourists with coach parking located adjacent to the site. Location of London Underground Bakerloo line and District and Circle lines tunnels.
Our response
We are currently proposing to relocate the existing mooring to the south near Horse Guards Avenue. This will be subject to further consultation with the owners of the Tattershall Castle, Westminster City Council and the Port of London Authority. Preliminary modelling has indicated that the proposed design is acceptable in terms of river flow. The proposals have been discussed with the Port of London Authority and other key stakeholders to develop a layout that has a minimal effect on river navigation. The overall design would create a new accessible area of public space away from the traffic of Victoria Embankment, for people to enjoy the River Thames and views towards the Palace of Westminster. The works are located in the River Thames in order to avoid affecting the District and Circle lines tunnel. The location of our proposed permanent works in the foreshore has moved to the south in order to provide a safe distance from the Bakerloo line tunnels. Our proposals for the permanent layout and design of the site have sought to reduce the extent of the permanent works within the River Thames to minimise effects on water ecology as far as possible.
Ecological surveys of the River Thames are being undertaken to identify possible effects, and design measures would be incorporated where required. Construction of the tunnel would deliver river wide improvements to local water quality, which would result in positive effects on river ecology, including habitat improvements and reduced fish kills.
Future use
Table 3.1: Site specific issues that have influenced our permanent design
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18
Future use
Figure 3B: Artists impression of the site after the works are completed
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20
Future use
Ventilation columns Raised viewing platform with balustrade edge protection and stone seating
ia Em
bankm
ent
Victor
Central section of canopy removable for maintenance access Canopy planted with jasmine
New Regent Street CSO outlet Viewing platforms along southern edge N Stone clad electrical and control kiosks Ramps provide step free access to viewing platform
Granite paving
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Future use
Issue
Our response
Odour effects at this site are expected to be negligible because we have developed an Air management plan to minimise possible odour and air quality effects arising from the operation of the tunnel. The technology we are proposing to use at this site includes the use of passive below ground carbon filters that would remove possible odour before air leaves the ventilation equipment. Permanent access would be required for maintenance and servicing purposes to the shaft and ventilation equipment. Any planned maintenance visits would be undertaken during normal working hours and all visits managed to avoid disruption to local residents, businesses and users of affected public areas as far as possible.
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Further information
This section sets out documents which may be of particular interest. Further information on our proposals can be found on our website (www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk) or is available upon request (call our customer centre on 0800 0721 086).
Q&A
Consultation
Design
Environment
Managing construction
Odour
Sets out our Air management plan and how it will work.
Options
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Sets out the preferred route of the main tunnel and the reasons for our preference.
Sets out the process we followed to find and select our preferred sites. Contains information on the different transport options we have considered for delivering and removing materials from our sites.
Transport
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Further information
Technical reports
Theme Phase one consultation Icon Title Report on phase one consultation: summary report Details Provides a summary of the comments made at phase one consultation and our responses.
SUMMARY
Code of construction practice Part A: Sets out control measures to be adopted during the project General requirements construction period. (CoCP) Air management plan Outlines the methods which we will use to manage odour from the main tunnel at all our preferred sites. Contains initial assessments on the environmental effects of the Thames Tunnel project based on information collected to date. Please refer to volume 20 of the non-technical summary and volume 20 of the PEIR for more information on this site. Provides a general overview of how the scheme design at each site has evolved to date. Please refer to chapter 18 for more information on this site. Provides an overview of the development of the Thames Tunnel project and how each site was chosen. Please refer to Appendix P for more information on this site.
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Site glossary
Term
Carbon filters Cofferdam Combined sewer Combined sewer overflow (CSO) Connection tunnel Conservation area Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Drop shaft Foreshore Interception chamber Main tunnel Operational phase Scour
Definition
Filters that remove odours before the air is released from the tunnel. A wall that is constructed within the river around the outside of the working area and then pumped dry. The inside of the cofferdam can then be filled to create a safe working area. A single sewer system that takes both rainwater and domestic and industrial wastewater. A structure, or series of structures, that allows sewers to overflow into the river when they are full as a result of increased rainfall. Without the overflows, the sewers would back up and cause flooding in streets or houses. A tunnel connecting a drop shaft to the main tunnel. An area designated by the local authority or English Heritage as having special architectural or historical interest. The extent of land that we may need to use or acquire, or over which rights may be needed to carry out works that are essential to the project. A vertical circular concrete structure, used to drop flows from the high level of the CSO to the low level of the main tunnel. It would also be used to provide access to construct the connection tunnels. Ground uncovered by the river when the tide is low. A structure, built on an existing combined sewer, which diverts stormwater overflow into the main tunnel. The tunnel from Acton Storm Tanks to Abbey Mills Pumping Station. After the completion of the construction work, when the main tunnel is in use. Movement of the riverbed materials due to the force of the water.
The Thames Tunnel project comprises a storage and transfer tunnel, from west London to Thames Tunnel project Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in east London, and the control of 34 CSOs along the Thames Tideway. Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) The network of roads managed by Transport for London. These are the major or strategic roads, which have high capacity.
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For further information or to comment on our proposals see our website: www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk
It is very important that you understand the information we have provided. If you need further information in another language, braille, large print or audio format please contact us on 0800 0721 086.