Culvert reconstruction following
Storm Babet flood damage

Flood damage on private land

Our approach

STRESS worked up a solution that was practical to build given the constraints of the site. Instead of going down the route of a heavier, more disruptive construction method, we proposed using tube lining alongside masonry work.

This allowed us to avoid bringing in large plant and reduced the need for concrete pumping. In turn, it made the job quicker, less intrusive, and more cost-effective.

During delivery, we focused on keeping things straightforward and well managed. That included safely demolishing what remained of the culvert, carefully handling access across private land, and choosing construction methods that suited the tight working space. We also stayed in close contact with the loss adjuster, the policyholder, and the wider project team throughout.

The solution

The culvert was fully rebuilt using an approach designed around both the site limitations and the need for long-term performance.

We installed a tube lining system as a lighter alternative to more traditional methods and increased the diameter of the culvert to better handle higher water flows. Some of the original design features were kept so that the new structure remained in keeping with what was there before. Bat boxes were also included, in line with the environmental recommendations.

The result

The end result is a much more resilient structure without the cost and disruption that the earlier proposal would have involved.

The work was completed within four weeks from starting on site, with minimal impact on the surrounding area despite the access challenges. Overall costs were lower than initially expected, and the use of lighter materials reduced the impact of construction.

Importantly, the culvert now has greater capacity and should perform much better during future flood events, while also contributing more effectively to the wider local drainage network.