Welcome to the December 2023 newsletter from Lydon Contracting Ltd. We're proud of the work we do and want to look back at what has been a busy and successful year.
Start of the year
We started January with work on a substation build at Bedford Hospital. The superstructure work commenced on the installation of the metal deck and warm roof system to ensure that the building is weathertight for the switchgear deliveries in early February. The job was completed on time with a happy customer.
January was a busy month on site at Brent Cross, North London. Fighting Ice rain and snow, the team dug deep and powered through, working on multiple streets across a large route. The project saw the use of Lydon’s brand new Vermeer RTX1250i2 to undertake some of our road cutting which made a huge difference.
February saw our major project in Lutterworth progressing well with over 2,000m of ducts already installed for the new twin circuit 11kV supply that will upgrade the existing 11Kv infrastructure at Magna Park South. Alongside the duct installation, the new concrete plinth has also been constructed for the new 1500kVA Transformer to be landed, in line with programme.
During March we completed phase 1 (of 2) upgrade works to the expansion joints on the service road above the Centre:MK shopping centre. The works consisted of the removal of failed concrete expansion joints and installation of modern upgraded counterpart.
Stepping into spring
April saw works continue with the installation of multiple utilities to supply 84 Redrow homes with the required utilities (water, gas and electricity). Originally planned to be directionally drilled, due to existing mains services and bed rock at 1.4m deep, open cut was the only method possible to achieve the required services.
Works completed at our Brent Cross 33kv cable install project (Neasden Power Station to Staples Corner substation).
The project in numbers:
- 5,697 lin m of carriageway trenching (of which 510 lin m was night working around Staples Corner/Edgware Road)
- 45-week programme
- 45,500 lin m of cable installed
- 1no. TFL Railway Bridge
During May we mobilised a new project in Wellingborough where we are carrying out a dual gas and electric installation at a large flour milling facility. We deployed our top cutter machine to expedite the excavation through the concrete carriageway which enabled us to make good progress.
Works are now complete for the HV reinforcement works for the new Redrow Homes site development at Berkley Gloucester. The area along Cannon Park become a real challenge with the ground previously made up with old bricks, slabs, and rubble.
We stabilised the undermining ground with the use of foam concrete (FCR) and additional tarmac reinstatement. The works have been completed successfully and are now waiting for the final HV POC and intermediate joint.
During June we were engaged by Multiplex to carry out some complex utility works at 30 Grosvenor Square, London (the old US Embassy building). The project has challenged our skilled operatives, putting to use their deep excavations, confined spaces and temporary works design training to complete the works.
June saw works undertaken to reinforce the LV network that feeds a new development in Legge Lane, Birmingham. The project was challenging due to the position of the new substation location and having to install the new LV feeds in an old cobbled street dating back to the turn of the century.
The summer months
During July we broke ground at Oxford Bus Depot, Cowley. This project will see the installation of all infrastructure to support the electrification of the Oxford Bus Company fleet of vehicles. Works will include the construction of 52 EV charging points and associated trenching works to facilitate the installation of LV and HV cabling.
Having a close working relationship with the Oxford Bus Company is key to the success of the project. Regular liaison and careful planning has enabled the project to progress whilst minimising the disruption to this very busy depot.
Works in relation to Nottingham Trent Bus Depot is progressing well, the offsite duct installation is on track with the programme with over 800m of the dual circuit ducting installed. During July we commenced with the on-site works which will see the installation of a new HV substation and the ducting network to feed 15 EV chargers.
During July works commenced at Halesworth, Suffolk where we have been instructed to complete the installation of 132kV and 11kV ducting for a new battery storage development.
The route spans 280m+ with 11kV cable ducting to meet an existing bank of 11kv cables that will join a second trench of 132kv ducts we are installing from inside the Halesworth substation to the point of connection.
Although the new HV substation building at Bedford Hospital was complete back in May, works have continued in August on the hospital campus with further HV reinforcement work between the different substations.
Works commenced at another bus depot in August in Thurmaston, Leicester where we have been instructed for both on-site and off-site infrastructure works in rediness for their new fleet of EV buses later this year.
Work continued at Nottingham University campus with the installation of new LV feeder pillars and EV charger units. We have also added a new feeder pillar base at Sutton Bonington greenhouses, this will serve a new street-lighting scheme along Melton Lane entrance and new electric gate feed serving the farm.
Works at our project in Milton Keynes East (where we are installing a new medium pressure Gas main) progressed well in September with over 400 lin m of trench excavated and reinstated, including completion of the dual carriageway crossing of the A509.
Ending the year
After a short interlude due to council restrictions, October saw the re-mobilisation of our major project at Stansted where we will be installing a new 33kV network over a 7km route to feed a new development near the airport. Our vacuum excavator was on site day one to carry out trial holes along the next phase of works to expose known assets.
October saw another EV infrastructure project commence in Oxford, this time for Stagecoach West. Before works commenced we held a breaking ground ceremony for the Stagecoach West team and Oxfordshire County Council councillors where golden spades were used to mark the significant milestone in Oxford’s zero-emission ambitions.
November saw the Installation of a new 11kV circuit at Bedford Hospital, where we came across asbestos in the ground. Our SHEQ team were quick to react and gave extra training to the operatives with the assistance of a specialist asbestos management company.
November was a big month for fundraising with our annual support for the Movember foundation. During the month we held a bake-off competition in the office and hosted the Movember quiz at The Towcestrians Rugby Club. The event was well supported with over 120 people attending raising a whopping £6892.00!
Early start to the new year
During December we commenced the enabling works for a major HV substation build due to commence in 2024 for a new commercial development.
The enabling works includes a new temporary access road that will service the site to enable works traffic to access/egress the working areas safely and a large compound area (1600m²) to house the welfare, offices and site parking.
A message from Brian
We have had a brilliant year here at Lydon Contracting Limited and can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring! The success of Lydon Contracting Ltd is based on the relationships we have built over the years, and we really wouldn’t be where we are without you. Over this past year we have added new staff and new clients and have faced many new challenges. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with, and for you. Our passion for being ‘Your Total Construction Solution’ remains strong.
We are excited to see all that 2024 has in store for us – enthusiasm and anticipation are building around new opportunities, and we hope you will stay tuned for more details in the New Year.
Best wishes and happiness to you and your families over the festive season.
Brian Lydon - Managing Director
Thanks for reading!
Cuttle Mill Nursery, Cuttle Mill Lane, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7LZ
info@lydoncontracting.com | 01327 811533 | www.lydoncontracting.com
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