Breakthrough achieved on Scotland’s biggest waste water tunnel

The tunnel boring machine – named Daisy the Driller – broke through at Queen’s Park late last week to complete its 5km journey from Caigton.

The tunnel was constructed by the Costain Vinci Construction Grans Projets Joint Venture (CVJV) with major ground engineering input in the form of shaft construction, piling and grouting from Bachy Soletanche and Soil Engineering.

CVJV project director Neil Grosset said: “This is one of the most challenging projects many of us have worked on and the completion of the tunnel construction is testament to the skills, knowledge and determination of our team who have safely delivered a high quality piece of infrastructure that will have a huge positive impact for the city now and in the future.”

Welcoming the landmark moment in the project, Douglas Millican, Scottish Water’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have completed the construction phase of the Shieldhall Tunnel, which is the flagship project in Scottish Water’s investment in the waste water infrastructure in the Greater Glasgow area - the biggest in well over a century.

“The tunnel will improve water quality in the River Clyde and reduce the risk of flooding in a number of communities. As the Greater Glasgow area continues to develop, we are modernising our waste water infrastructure to support the needs of both existing and future customers.

“The completion of the Shieldhall Tunnel, which will increase capacity and alleviate pressure on the existing network by providing additional storm water storage, is a key part of that network modernisation.

“With Daisy the Driller having reached her destination, we have completed the most challenging part of the project. We now move to linking the tunnel to the existing Glasgow waste water network and bringing the whole new system into operation next year.”