Severn Trent is progressing a £25 million project to upgrade the sewer network in Stroud – the latest phase will see the ‘Marvellous Mining Molly’ tunnelling machine being used to install concrete pipes that will form part of a new sewer network.

The machine will tunnel underneath the Eberly Bypass laying 60 meters of concrete pipe until it reaches the reception shaft. Fully assembled, the state-of-the-art machine is four meters long, and when operating, it will be using 150-180kws of power.

The £25 million project will see the water and waste company install over two miles of new pipes in total, upgrading many of the old Victorian sewers in the town.

Severn Trent said the investment in Stroud will go a long way towards protecting the River Frome and other local watercourses, with the community set to benefit from increased capacity and state-of-the-art technology that will protect homes in the area and completely transform the waste network that will last for generations.

The project will also contribute towards the Cotswolds Canal Restoration Project by removing the sewer that runs through the canal in Wallbridge, meaning boats will be able to navigate along the full route.

Arezoo Ilbeygi, Delivery Business Lead at Severn Trent said:

“By using equipment like Molly, we’re able to significantly reduce the disruption caused to customers by tunnelling underground. It also allows us to complete our work as quickly and as safely as possible.

“Our project in Stroud is one of the biggest investments we’re making over the coming years, and it will bring huge benefits to the area, as well as the environment.”

Severn Trent has teamed up with Galliford Try as contract partners for this project, with the construction company taking the lead on project design and build.