Ulverston tunnelling machine completes underground journey ahead of schedule

United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS), has successfully completed a 73-meter-long tunnel beneath the Ulverston Canal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in a multi-million-pound engineering project designed to safeguard gas supply for thousands of homes and businesses across Cumbria.

On behalf of Cadent, ULIS, in collaboration with specialist tunnelling contractor Joseph Gallagher Ltd., completed the 73-meter-long, 900mm ID micro tunnel in just under three days. This impressive feat was accomplished using a Herrenknecht AVN900 slurry Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), despite challenging ground conditions and minimal clearance to the canal bed. The rapid completion of this phase has put the overall project ahead of schedule.

The project, which commenced in March 2025, involves installing 850 metres of new 12-inch heavy-wall steel pipeline, primarily in fields adjacent to the Ulverston Canal. This new pipeline will create a safer and more resilient route for gas to reach essential facilities and homes across the region, including Barrow-in-Furness. It will replace an existing pipe beneath the canal footpath that is showing signs of deterioration.

The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of properties in the area, and the new diversion will run parallel to the existing pipeline, but outside the immediate embankment area. Once the new pipeline is operational, the existing one will be decommissioned, ensuring no impact on gas supply during the work and providing Cadent with confidence in a long-term safe supply of gas to the local area.

Given the working area’s proximity to Morecambe Bay, a European-designated Ramsar Site, Special Protection Area (SPA), and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), ULIS has ensured that appropriate steps are taken, including scheduled visits from ecologists, before undertaking any ecologically sensitive works.

Benn Cottrell, Managing Director, United Living Energy, commented:

“We are incredibly proud of our team’s efficiency and expertise in completing this challenging tunnelling phase ahead of schedule.

“This project is vital for the long-term energy security of Cumbria, and United Living is committed to delivering it with the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.”

Paula Steer, Network Director for Cadent in the North West, commented:

“We are really pleased with how the project is progressing. Completing the tunnel beneath the canal in such a short time was a major achievement, and we are now well into the next phase of laying the new pipe.

“This is a crucial investment in the long-term safety and reliability of the gas network in this part of Cumbria. I want to thank the local community for their continued support and patience as we carry out this important work.”