News

Severn Trent’s mighty tunnelling machine, the ‘Siege Breaker’, has finished its nine month journey under the streets of Newark.

Since launching in August last year, the machine has created a huge tunnel from Crankley Point to Millgate as part of the company’s £60m investment in the town where it’s upgrading both the water and waste system.

Nick Wallace from Severn Trent said: “It’s really exciting that the Siege Breaker has completed its journey, this is such an important part of the project that will play a huge role in making sure the people of Newark won’t have to worry when it rains anymore, as these bigger and better sewers will help protect their homes from flooding.”

The ‘Siege Breaker’ weighs a huge 160 tonnes, which is one-and-a-half times as heavy as an average blue whale, and is 75 metres in length.

The state-of-the-art machine has been travelling underground for nine months, creating a tunnel that is three kilometres long and big enough to drive a transit van through.

“It’s amazing to think that this huge machine has travelled underground, all without anyone really knowing it’s there,” added Nick. “By tunnelling, we’ve been able to massively reduce the disruption caused to the town by our scheme, as the majority of the work is taking place under the roads, rather than on them.”

When completed, more than 400 homes and businesses will have extra protection from sewer flooding, with 15 miles of new and improved water and waste pipes built for Newark.

“We’re making some real progress with our work in Newark,” adds Nick “We’re really thankful for everyone’s continued support and understanding as we make these essential improvements. “

Severn Trent is currently running a shuttle bus until June during its work on Castle Gate, free for anyone to use when visiting the town to help keep local businesses open during the construction.

BNM Alliance are carrying out work on behalf of Severn Trent.

For more information on Severn Trent’s work in Newark, visit stw.works/Newark.