PROJECT OUTLINE 

As part of the construction of a Department of Work and Pensions facility, a new signalised S278 junction required constructing on the A4054. This was to enable safe access into the development and the wider industrial estate which included numerous high volume peak users such as Castle Bingo, education facilities, residential estates and various industrial and commercial business. At the same time, a new carpark to service the office required constructing on an adjacent brownfield site, formerly a haulage facility. Following competitive tender for both projects, Walters were awarded the two projects separately by two clients. We then worked collaboratively with all parties to implement both projects concurrently.

PROJECT DELIVERY

In collaboration with the local authority network team and local stakeholders, we developed and implemented a 5 phase traffic management plan to deliver the majority of the works under single lane closures. This avoided the need for temporary traffic lights and reduced the impact on road users and the local community. The exception to this was the final phase installing the new surface course. In agreement with local stakeholders, this took place on the weekend with local diversions providing temporary access to all local residents and businesses. The works were delivered on time and budget using our local self-delivery civil engineering team supported by key supply chain.

DE-RISKING GROUND CONDITIONS

As part of a previous demolition and remediation project on an adjacent site, the client engaged us to provide early contractor involvement advice to them for this project. As part of this, we undertake a detailed ground investigation to identify and mitigate risk associated with the brownfield part of the site. This then enabled us to take on the risk of ground conditions through delivery of the car park works. Contamination identified and managed included asbestos sin soils, elevated metals and hydrocarbons.

PROACTIVE UTILITIES MANAGEMENT            

Extensive services required protection and or diversion including BT, medium pressure gas, HV and 2 30″ water mains. We took ownership of this challenge, proactively engaging with all service providers to agree and implement diversions and protection measures. We also worked closely with the DWP construction site to facilitate the new HV connection which required diversion from an existing substation into the new office switchgear.

COVID – 19 COMPLIANCE   

The project is notable for being delivered through the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic without impacting cost or programme. We set up robust protocols to safely manage and deliver the works which was regarded as critical infrastructure and thus allowed to remain operational through delivery.