George Leslie is progressing a major upgrade to the wastewater rising main between Saltcoats and Stevenston. The follows a series of failures that highlighted the need for a long-term engineering solution.
The ductile iron pipeline, which was installed around 30 years ago, has deteriorated significantly, leading to repeated failures along the route.
George Leslie has been involved in various emergency repairs of the rising main in Saltcoats and Stevenston on behalf of Scottish Water since the first burst in 2022.
The latest phase of emergency works began in January when our site team mobilised to repair what was initially believed to be a single burst. However, further investigations uncovered additional failures, including a leak beneath a nearby watercourse.
As more defects emerged, it became clear that continued repairs would not provide a sustainable long-term solution. Repair attempts were suspended in favour of a temporary overland pipeline, which will help restore normal service more quickly and provide greater operational control while longer-term improvements are completed.
Site Agent Craig MacDonald said: “The pipe is in such poor condition that every time we repaired one section, another issue would appear elsewhere.
This means the focus has now shifted from emergency repairs to delivering a long-term solution.”
The project has required a range of specialist engineering techniques to overcome challenging ground conditions and groundwater ingress. Works have included the construction of a deep excavation, dewatering aided by SLD, installation of piled temporary works and directional drilling beneath a watercourse.
A new 120-metre polyethylene pipeline is also being installed to replace the failing section of main and improve the resilience of the network.
Throughout the project, George Leslie has worked closely with Scottish Water, SEPA and North Ayrshire Environmental Health to manage environmental requirements and maintain progress despite evolving site conditions.
Support from key supply chain partners, including Mabey Hire, Sunbelt Rentals, Selwood and Groundforce, has allowed for rapid design development and responsive deliveries as the works have progressed.
Once complete, the upgrade will provide more reliable wastewater infrastructure for the local community and help reduce the risk of future failures on this section of the network.
