Thames Tideway Tunnel: King Edward Memorial Park Foreshore: collaborative major change

The King Edward Memorial Park Foreshore is one of the Thames Tideway Tunnel project’s largest combined sewer overflow (CSO) interception sites, located in east London. This paper reports on the design solutions, construction techniques and methodologies used to deliver the works at this iconic site in the River Thames over 8 years. Key temporary works included a sheet piled cofferdam designed as a temporary working platform and to divert live flows through the site. A significant challenge encountered was the unforeseen geology, which necessitated a large ground improvement scheme, cofferdam redesign, realignment of the main tunnel and turning the CSO drop shaft from on-line to off-line. A 60 m deep shaft was constructed using diaphragm wall techniques. This site now prevents about 782 000 m3 of untreated combined sewage from entering the River Thames in a typical year. The site also provided an extension to the local park with new world-class architectural public realm in the heart of Wapping by reclaiming land from the River Thames. This case study showcases the complexities of large-scale infrastructure, blending engineering excellence with environmental and community benefits, and underscores the transformative impact of the project on London's waterways.