Quick and effective temporary works solutions key in new pumping station

Crossness Sewage Treatment Works, London

Project Overview

Location	Crossness Sewage Treatment Works, London
Sector	Water
Products	250Te End Unit Supershaft Plus

As part of Thames Water’s major projects work, a new final effluent pumping station was required at the Crossness Sewage Treatment Works (STW), helping to cope with higher river levels. Our temporary groundworks solutions were called upon to facilitate this work.

The challenge

Complex excavation

The largely below-ground design of the new pumping station required robust groundworks support to safely manage high earth pressures and ensure a stable working environment.

Alignment and installation issues

Previously installed sheet piles were found to be out of alignment once excavation began, requiring rapid redesign and adaptation of the temporary works to accommodate on-site discrepancies.

Contractor coordination

Seamless integration was needed between Mabey Hire, the principal contractor, and MAL Contractors to align the temporary works design with construction sequencing and resolve issues quickly to avoid project delays.

Our solution

To ensure the safe construction of the new below-ground effluent pumping station at Crossness STW, Mabey Hire designed and supplied a comprehensive groundworks support package for MAL Contractors. Given the significant excavation depth, the solution utilised high-capacity Super Bracing Struts (SBS 600 range) and Supershaft Plus systems to provide robust lateral support and maintain excavation stability.

This combination allowed the MAL team to safely work within the deep pit while supporting the heavy ground loads surrounding the site. The equipment was straightforward to install, and thanks to early coordination with the principal contractor, the transition to on-site operations was smooth and efficient.

View Super Bracing Strut

As works progressed, unexpected issues arose, including misaligned sheet piles installed by a previous contractor. Mabey Hire quickly redesigned sections of the trench wall to include additional welds and supplied an 18-metre replacement beam to overcome installation challenges.

This responsive design adaptation minimised disruption and kept the project on schedule. The collaborative relationship between Mabey Hire and MAL Contractors ensured the temporary works were executed safely, efficiently, and with minimal delay—supporting the successful delivery of the new pumping station while maintaining the highest safety standards on site.

Get in touch

“We have found the support that Mabey Hire offer to be extremely helpful, with any issues resolved in a timely and effective manner. This has helped us to coordinate our contracted works with minimal delay and, most importantly, keep our onsite workers safe whilst carrying out construction of the new station.”

Chandra Kahendran

Project Manager/MAL Contractors