Proud to accompany GRTgaz yesterday for the arrival onsite of microtunnel “Léa”, ready to start the first of two tunnels under the River Durance in southern France.
Crossing a combined 1300 m under not only the river, but also a motorway ramp, protected woodland, a flood barrier and vineyards, the DN1800 will tunnel over 20m deep, to ensure the pipeline will be protected from river erosions and deviations both now and in years to come. The DN750 pipeline will continue to supply the strategic gas storage facility in Manosque, which in turn supplies gas to the whole of south-eastern France.
OPTIMUM engineers have been supporting GRTgaz on this project since its inception in 2019, with feasibility studies, engineering design, as well as during the purchasing and contractor selector phase. Their specialist knowledge enabled a safe and workable trenchless solution to be found despite the site’s numerous constraints and complex geological conditions.
A great project to be involved in ; can’t wait to get started on this next phase !
