In 2024, Prestige Pipelaying JV Ltd (PPL) was awarded a major gas mains replacement scheme in the heart of Cambridge, covering Fendon Road, Queen Edith’s Way, and Mowbray Road.
The project formed part of Cadent Gas’s ongoing mains renewal programme and was one of the most complex urban gas replacement schemes undertaken in the region.
The works centred around Cambridge’s new £2.3 million Dutch-style roundabout, the first of its kind in the UK, designed to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety.
This unique layout presented significant engineering and logistical challenges, requiring extensive collaboration with both Cadent Gas’s design team and the Highways Authority.
With multiple tees and service feeds positioned within the new roundabout structure, PPL worked closely with design engineers to develop an innovative solution.
After detailed review and modelling, it was agreed to:
This design avoided disruption to the newly constructed roundabout while maintaining full gas supply continuity throughout the works.
At the opposite end of Fendon Road, a second major roundabout serves as the main access route to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Given the critical nature of this junction, conventional traffic management would have caused major congestion and delays.
To overcome this, PPL partnered with Steve Vick International to deploy their FBOS (Foam Bag Operation System)technology — a pioneering method that allowed remote replacement and decommissioning of the annular space from an excavation positioned a safe distance away.
This eliminated the need for traffic restrictions on the hospital roundabout, ensuring public access remained unaffected.
After almost two years of joint planning and coordination, the scheme commenced in May 2024 and was successfully completed by early August 2024.
Key outcomes included:
The Mowbray Road project demonstrated PPL’s ability to manage high-profile, technically demanding gas replacement schemes in sensitive urban environments.
Through strong collaboration with Cadent Gas, Cambridge Highways, and Steve Vick International, the project was completed safely, on time, and with minimal public impact.
This scheme has since been recognised as a model for innovative, low-disruption mains replacement within heavily constrained city infrastructure.