Welcome to the May 2024 newsletter from Lydon Contracting Ltd. We're proud of the work we do and want to share our latest news, useful information and staff updates.
Nighttime working
On the flightpath
Works at our Stansted project has picked up pace this month with the installation of the 2no. HV ducts for a new 33kV feed to the airport site. As part of the installation, we will be carrying out a Directional drill under the M11 (planned for early June). Part of our obligation to National Highways is to provide a Drainage Survey prior to the drill and again once the drill has been completed.
The work involved closing the outer lanes of the M11 between junction 8 and 9 on the first night and closing the two inner lanes on the second night with the aid of IPV’s’.
The survey was successfully carried out safely over the two nights, with a report being issued to National Highways.
On the highway
For the past 3 months we have been working on a major HV installation in Digbeth, Birmingham to feed a new residential development. During May we were required cross a major carriageway (Type 0 road) at night.
The road was required to remain open throughout therefore the works required reinstatement every evening (temporary) then permanently reinstated on completion.
Charging ahead with green energy
During May we completed another Gridserve EV charging hub, this time at Trowell services on the M1. The works included the construction of plinths for switchgear, controls, and the EV chargers themselves, together with the underground infrastructure and associated cable installations and line markings.
Strong foundations
This month saw another substation build gather pace with the construction of the 11kV Switch room foundations and the 33kV/11kV transformer bund(s) in Wellingborough.
Following the concrete foundations/bund construction we will continue with the switch room building (walls, roof, doors, and internal finishes), perimeter fencing beam and palisade fencing erection along with site wide drainage and compound finishing works. The project is ahead of programme (6 weeks into an 18 week programme) even with the inclement weather we have been having!
Precision work
Works on our project at Bicester has seen good progress during May (even given the ever-changing weather conditions!).
The 33kV Switch Room base has now been completed with works moving onto the 11kV package substation, site wide drainage (including installation of interceptor tank) and the road infrastructure and car parking areas.
Going Underground
Works commenced in May on the excavation of the HV joint bays in readiness for the major HV reinforcement diversion works as part of the HS2 works, to enable a large section of HV overhead lines to be decommissioned.
All works were completed to programme with all HV circuits having VLF/sheath testing completed satisfactorily so National Grid (NGED) can start the decommissioning process in June. The final stage once all jointing works have been completed will be to backfill and reinstate all the new 11kv HV joint bays.
Safe and sound
This month saw our quarterly audit for our National Electricity Registration scheme (NERS) accreditation taking place at Hanwood Park in Kettering where we were undertaking a cable installation scheme.
The audit covered site safety, personnel, vehicles, and NERS compliance which involved the site paper trail, proof of competencies for all members of the working party, along with vehicle checks to ensure all safety and well-being characteristics were covered.
A practical assessment was conducted on how we carry out open lay installation to specification on site, this was displayed with confidence by the onsite team completing another successful audit.
Supporting staff
During May was Mental Health Awareness week (13-19th May) bringing together the UK to focus on getting good mental health. Within the construction industry there is a real stigma attached to mental health and talking about it, however, this is a subject that shouldn’t be brushed over.
At Lydon Contracting we have Mental Health First Aiders who are there to help. Just like physical safety, mental health requires ongoing attention and care. By prioritising mental well-being, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to a healthier and happier work environment for everyone. How one individual may be able to deal with an issue, someone else may struggle. Do not assume that people are ok just because they are always smiling.
Please watch this great video from Norwich City
Meet the team
- Name – Keith Roberts
- Role within the business – Project Manager
- Years Service – 4 years
- Home Town – Stourport-on-Seven
Tell us about yourself, what do you like doing in your spare time?
Married to Jeanette with two grown up children. Outside of work I try keeping reasonably fit with walking and running, although my Marathon running days are over! I am a long-suffering fan of the mighty Tottenham Hotspurs, I have a great passion for live music and recently had the pleasure in watching Bruce Springsteen.
On the odd sunny day we may be lucky to get, I will get my 1965 LI 150 Lambretta out of the shed and have a ride around. I am planning to ride it to Brighton during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Anybody remember the film Quadrophenia…
Thanks for reading!
Cuttle Mill Nursery, Cuttle Mill Lane, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7LZ
info@lydoncontracting.com | 01327 811533 | www.lydoncontracting.com
Company Registration No. 3742284