Welcome to the January 2025 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.
Strong foundations
Works at one of our primary substation builds at Graven Hill in Bicester is taking shape quickly. Since the start of the New Year, we have completed the installation of pre-cast concrete floor sections, steel floor supports, the steel frame and insulated roof panels.
The next phase will be the external brickwork. The integrity of the transformers bunds has also been completed and tested (with 30,000 litres of water!) enabling us to commence the backfilling around the transformer bunds.
Charging ahead
Works continued in January at the National Express Bus Depot at Perry Barr, Birmingham with the final phases of duct installation, enabling the client to complete their cabling and commissioning works for their new EV charger network and journey towards zero emission public transport.
On the radar
This month saw works continue at Cranfield University where Lydon Contracting have been awarded the contract to design and build the HV/LV and communication network (including transformer base) for a new radar surveillance facility.
Cranfield Airport is extending its capabilities with the construction of a new radar surveillance system, which will be the first on-site radar facility in 30 years. The radar from Easat Radar Systems Limited is part of continual upgrades to the Airport’s technical capabilities, to maintain efficient operations and support the world-class aviation research that takes place at Cranfield University.
We're drilled to see you!
January saw us carry out the wireline guided Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) crossing under the River Stort (near Stansted airport) and complete the cable installation along Gipsy Lane under a road closure.
What is wireline guidance I hear you say…. Wireline magnetic guidance system is carried out by feeding power to the drill head fed down a 6mm copper wire from probes based behind the drill head, housed in non magnetic steel drill pipe. The Probe picks up the earths magnetic field and follows azimuth. A small grid of 6mm panel wire is laid on the surface (pegged/pinned) and surveyed to create a magnetic field and the probe senses the magnetic field. The Wireline engineer uses the grid as a base line survey and works off the design drawings and gps entry/exit points.
Sensors located within the downhole probe provide constant updates of inclination, azimuth and tool face orientation to the surface via a wireline. The data is processed utilizing surface equipment (interference unit, laptop computer and printer) and specialised steering software to provide information on depth, course length (Away) and distance off the predetermined azimuth (Right/Left). It uses an energised surface wire (coil) to create grid and magnets to locate the drill head. Accuracy of tool is 0.3°of azimuth and 0.1°of inclination and it can operate effectively down to a depth of 60m. The 160m HDD crossing was succesfully completed safely and cables installed.
We have now installed approximately 6km of dual circuit 33KV and pilot cables, these cables have all been and tested and jointed succesfully.
Safety Stand Down 2025
In January we welcomed in the new year with our annual Safety Stand Down. The annual Safety Stand Down events were created to dedicate time and space for employees to collectively focus on safety awareness, reviewing working standards, share best practices, our Accreditations and engaging in open dialogue regarding potential hazards in the workplace.
The events emphasise a dedication by Lydon Contracting to adopt a culture of health, well-being, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the company.
Steve Reid (H.S.E.Q Manager) stated “It’s great to see so many of our colleagues attending our health and safety stand down events, making sure our teams work safely is always our top priority. These events are a fantastic opportunity to take the team out of their usual environment and re-energise our focus on health and safety”.
Alll aboard!
Lydon Contracting are involved on several bus depots in and around London where we are installing all the required civil structures and ducting networks to enable the transition to electric buses.
Work at the Perivale bus depot in West London is progressing well with the HV substation and LV panel bases constructed ready for the switchgear and cabinets to be landed. We have also installed a new interceptor tank and drainage for the existing bus wash that will free up some much-needed space for new the EV infrastructure equipment.
The next phase is to complete the HV trench that will bring the HV supply to the site, following this will be the LV ducting network that will feed the 39 EV chargers.
Investing in quality equipment
This month we have taken delivery of a new cable drum trailer. The PT70 is the largest road legal trailer available on the market, with a maximum drum width of 1600mm.
We have experienced quite a few sites in 2024 that we have had to apply for a movement order to transport a non-road legal trailer with our beavertail lorry due to its width.
Acquiring the PT70 should allow more flexibility to accommodate reactive cable works.
Award winning team!
We are proud to announce that this month Michelle Allen our Office Manager completed her Level 2 AAT Accounting qualification.
All her studying and hard work paid off as she not only passed, she also achieved a Distinction Award for her final mark!!
Well done Michelle!!
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