Northern Tunnelling has begun hand-digging tunnels as part of the latest phase of work in a flood risk management project at Oakmall Shopping Centre, Greenock.

The £2.8 million scheme to reduce flooding in the area is being delivered by Amey Black and Veatch (aBV) on behalf of Scottish Water.  

Engineers tunnelled under the roadway from a section of the B&M car park on Inverkip Street across to High Street roundabout. A stretch within the car park was also excavated by hand.  

In both cases, difficult ground conditions meant the more modern method of tunnelling with a guided tunnelling machine wasn't possible. This method had been used on earlier phases of the project to help keep disruption to a minimum for the local community and road users.

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Northern Tunnelling is hand-digging tunnels totalling 26 metres in length.

Scott Henry, project manager with aBV, said: "The hard, rocky ground meant that we had no alternative but to return to traditional methods and use hand operated tools like picks and shovels to do the excavations. 

"It was back-breaking work for the tunnellers. They've removed approximately 115 tonnes of debris comprising mainly of reinforced concrete, brickwork foundations, sandstone and whinstone rock."

Ruaridh MacGregor, Regional Corporate Affairs Manager, Scottish Water, said: "Tunnelling during this phase has taken much longer than expected due to the fact that the tunnels had to be dug-out by hand. This was unavoidable and we do appreciate that the associated road traffic management has caused some frustrations for local businesses and road users. We thank those who have been affected for their patience and understanding."

Paul Milligan, communications manager with aBV, added: "We've worked closely with local businesses, keeping them updated on the work and we'd really like to thank them for engaging with us and for their understanding throughout. Once completed, this work really will benefit the local business community by helping to minimise flooding."

(CM/MH)