Narrow Trenching
GT Jones Contracting provides precision narrow trenching for utility installation using the Tesmec 400MCT tracked trencher. Where cable ploughing is not suitable — in harder ground, on verges and roadsides, or where a defined trench profile is required — narrow trenching offers a controlled, reduced-dig alternative to conventional excavation.
The Tesmec produces a narrow, uniform trench with accurate depth and alignment, reducing excavation width, spoil volumes and reinstatement compared with traditional digging.
What We Install
GT Jones can support the installation of buried utility infrastructure including:
- Water pipes
- Power ducts
- Fibre optic ducts
- Communication ducts
- Renewable energy grid connection routes
- Utility crossings and linear infrastructure
- Multi-duct systems
- Rural and agricultural pipeline routes
Each project is reviewed against the design, ground conditions, depth requirements, access constraints and environmental considerations to select the most suitable installation method.
A Lower-Impact Alternative to Traditional Excavation
Traditional open-cut excavation can involve large volumes of excavated material, wider working areas, increased vehicle movements, longer reinstatement periods and greater disruption to landowners, road users and the surrounding environment.
Our trenchless and reduced-dig methods are designed to minimise these impacts. Depending on the project conditions, benefits can include:
- Reduced excavation
- Less imported and exported material
- Lower reinstatement requirements
- Faster installation rates
- Reduced disruption to landowners and the public
- Reduced vehicle movements
- Lower fuel use and carbon impact
- Smaller working footprint
- Improved safety by reducing open trenches
- Less impact on surrounding land and habitats
Our Installation Methods
Cable & Pipe Ploughing
Cable and pipe ploughing is ideal for long, linear routes where ducts or pipes can be installed directly into the ground with minimal surface disturbance. This method is particularly well suited to rural routes, agricultural land, water infrastructure, renewable energy connections and utility corridors.
Using the Foeck Spider Plough, ducts and pipes can be installed quickly and accurately while significantly reducing the need for open excavation.
Best suited for:
- Long utility routes
- Agricultural land
- Rural water infrastructure
- Renewable energy sites
- Fibre and power duct installation
- Areas where reinstatement needs to be minimised
Narrow Trenching
Where ploughing is not suitable, narrow trenching provides a controlled reduced-dig solution. The Tesmec trencher can create a narrow, accurate trench for duct and pipe installation, reducing excavation width and material arisings compared with conventional excavation.
This method is particularly useful for verges, cycle routes, access tracks, harder ground conditions and areas where a more defined trench profile is required.
Best suited for:
- Road verges
- Cycle paths
- Utility corridors
- Controlled trench depths
- Harder or variable ground
- Projects requiring reduced excavation but not full ploughing
Supporting Safe and Efficient Delivery
GT Jones combines specialist plant with experienced civil engineering teams, allowing us to provide a complete installation service rather than just plant hire. Our teams can support route preparation, excavation, duct and pipe installation, backfilling, reinstatement, traffic management coordination, surveying support, quality records and health and safety documentation.
Works are planned around site-specific constraints, including underground services, overhead lines, landowner requirements, ecology, drainage, access routes and public interface.
Sectors We Support
Our trenchless and reduced-dig utility installation services are suitable for:
- Water infrastructure
- Renewable energy
- Power distribution
- Fibre and telecommunications
- Highways and active travel schemes
- Agricultural and rural estates
- Utility diversions
- Infrastructure upgrades
Why Choose GT Jones?
GT Jones has extensive experience delivering civil engineering, drainage, ducting and utility-related works for major infrastructure projects across Wales and the wider UK. Our investment in specialist equipment allows us to offer clients a practical, lower-impact alternative to traditional excavation.
By combining the Foeck Spider Plough, Tesmec trencher and our wider civil engineering capability, we can help clients select the right method for each section of a route — improving programme, reducing disruption and supporting more sustainable delivery.
