Strabag UK has been appointed by Jewel of Hertsmere Limited to repair Aldenham Reservoir, in Aldenham Country Park near Elstree.
The project includes the replacement of an existing dam embankment and delivery of a reinforced concrete spillway, stilling basin and weir, along with a replacement pedestrian footbridge and a new public access footpath along the crest of the dam.
Aldenham Reservoir is one of the oldest impounding dams in England, originally constructed in around 1795 to provide water compensation for mill owners following the development of the Grand Union Canal.
Retained by an earth fill embankment approximately nine metres in height and 480 metres in length, the reservoir has a capacity of around 539,000 cubic metres and today a local leisure amenity.
While some remedial works have been undertaken previously, further improvements are required to address concerns regarding the performance of the embankment dam and ensure long-term structural integrity, reducing the potential risk of flooding to nearby communities.
Working on the site of the existing reservoir, Strabag UK will construct a new dam embankment incorporating an eight-metre-deep slurry wall, butyl liner and rock armour to enhance the structural stability and long-term integrity of the reservoir. The project will also deliver a new spillway, stilling basin and weir, along with a replacement pedestrian footbridge and a new public access footpath along the crest of the dam.
The contract will see Strabag undertake a programme of surveys, design and construction works over a two-year period starting this month.
Strabag UK鈥檚 build subdivision technical director, Ian Burford, said: 鈥淭his appointment reflects the strength of our collaborative approach and technical expertise, and we are proud to support the restoration of one of the country鈥檚 oldest impounding dams for future generations.鈥�
Nitin Gosrani, director of Jewel of Hertsmere Limited, which owns the reservoir, added: 鈥淪trabag UK come highly recommended to carry out the Dam Repair Works as per the planning permission. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Strabag team to bring Aldenham Reservoir back to its former glory.鈥�
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