Pre-construction drainage works along the route of the Main Onshore Pipeline (the Pipeline), previously referred to as the HyNet Carbon Dioxide Pipeline are scheduled to start on Monday, 26 January 2026. These works are being carried out by our Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor, United Infrastructure (UI) and are an important step to ensure the safe installation of the Pipeline and protecting surrounding land from excess water.
Pre-construction drainage works help manage water and moisture levels in the soil during the construction. They intercept and redirect existing drainage routes (where practical) before construction works begin.
Once the onsite surveys and designs are complete, UI will install 'headers' and 'cross-drains'. These drainage channels intercept water already moving through the ground and direct it to a suitable outlet nearby, such as an existing culvert.
These works support construction activities by ensuring water is directed away from excavations, helping maintain stable moisture levels of the soil and surrounding areas. To enable these works, essential plant and machinery will move along the Pipeline route until the works are complete.
UI's onsite team has been in regular contact with landowners and will continue to provide updates as the works progress. Liverpool Bay CCS Limited (LBCCS) and UI remain committed to minimising any impacts arising from these activities. All construction traffic transporting equipment and materials for these works will follow the routes set out in the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP).
You can view the CTMP on:
Once pre-construction drainage works are finished, the Pipeline's preparatory works will move into its next stages, including:
What are pre-construction drainage works?
Pre-construction drainage works help manage water and moisture levels in the soil during the construction. They intercept and redirect existing drainage routes (where practical) before construction works begin.
What is included as part of these works?
Once the onsite surveys and designs are complete, UI will install 'headers' and 'cross-drains'. These drainage channels intercept water already moving through the ground and direct it to a suitable outlet nearby, such as an existing culvert.
These works support construction activities by ensuring water is directed away from excavations, helping maintain stable moisture levels of the soil and surrounding areas. To enable these works, essential plant and machinery will move along the Pipeline route until the works are complete.
UI's onsite team has been in regular contact with landowners and will continue to provide updates as the works progress. Liverpool Bay CCS Limited (LBCCS) and UI remain committed to minimising any impacts arising from these activities. All construction traffic transporting equipment and materials for these works will follow the routes set out in the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP).
You can view the CTMP on:
- Chesire West and Chester Council's (CWCC) Public Access System by searching the following application reference: 25/01122/REQ
- Flintshire County Council's (FCC) Public Access System by searching the following application reference: DCO/000528/25
Beyond the pre-construction drainage stage
Once pre-construction drainage works are finished, the Pipeline's preparatory works will move into its next stages, including:
- Auger Boring: Construction activities along the Pipeline route are scheduled to increase from February 2026, in preparation for auger bore trenchless activities due to begin in March 2026.
- Topsoil stripping: UI is scheduled to begin topsoil stripping along the Pipeline route in March 2026. The removed soil will be stored to one side to help preserve its quality and minimise damage during the construction process.
- Main Pipeline works: Following completion of auger boring and topsoil stripping, the Pipeline's main works and associated deliveries are planned through April 2026 to allow the full construction of the Pipeline from May 2026.