ALE has loaded in and transported 72 components for two tunnel boring machines (TBM), weighing between 9 tonnes and 119 tonnes, for the Thames Tideway project in London.

On behalf of FLO - the joint venture of Ferrovial Agroman and Laing O'Rourke - ALE delivered the components using a bespoke sheerleg system to unload the heaviest items and a crawler crane for the remaining items.

The components were then transported to the laydown area using eight axle lines of SPMTs.

"By designing the sheerleg to specifically fit within the capacity of the jetty, we could provide the most cost-effective method to the client," said Chris Horan, ALE's project manager.

The next phase of the project will be completed by the client during April and May and will involve the assembly of the components onto cradles, constructed by ALE in November 2017.

Towards the end of May, ALE is scheduled to begin transporting the TBMs to one of the project sites, Tideway Central. ALE will then lower the machines down a 65 m deep shaft.

The Thames Tideway project will see the construction of a 25 km underground tunnel, up to 66 m deep, which will help expand London's sewerage system. 

 

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