Project overview
The Ewood Gyratory project involved the major reconstruction of a main trunk road intersection and the remodelling of the strategic highway network in central Blackburn.
Two new access roads and a signalised gyratory roundabout were constructed alongside new pedestrian crossing facilities, all associated drainage and infrastructure including carriageway and footway resurfacing, kerbing and road markings.
The location of the site was at the junction of main A-road which was very heavily trafficked. This required complex and variable New Roads and Streetworks Act compliant traffic management and assessment plans to be drawn up and implemented throughout the programme to maintain safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic flows through and around the works.
The works disciplines employed to deliver these works are summarised as follows:
- Initial establishment of vehicular and pedestrian corridors to provide safe space for works to commence. Clear warning and diversionary signage was installed.
- Sequential site clearances involved deep drainage excavations and installation of services and infrastructure.
- Construction of a new roundabout together with four lane approach roads controlled at either end by traffic lights and in the centre by traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings with drop kerbs and tactile paving.
- Road surfaces leading up to the new junction were constructed in highway specification Tarmac for base layers and finishing course.
- Kerbs and footpaths installed along the new road corridor surfaced in Bitmac.
- New directional signage installed together with traffic lights, street lighting, crash barriers and street furniture.
- Cycle and Bus lanes marked out at the junction the existing road and new construction
Surveys & pre-contract advice
Our team carried our pre-construction surveys and discovered a major high pressure gas main being much closer to the surface than originally thought or planned for. Our Project Manager and Engineer assisted in developing alternative design layouts and sub ground arrangements to overcome the problem working in a wholly collaborative manner with the Council’s and Utility Engineers to agree a design solution.
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Traffic management & phasing
We invited the relevant highway authority supervisor and representatives of emergency services to site at an early stage to discuss our approach to the scheme, focused on maintaining the safety of local stakeholders. Our experienced team developed detailed Traffic Management and Assessment Plans in compliance with the NRSWA.
Works were undertaken around the scheme in a logical manner by opening up new carriageway areas prior to reducing any existing carriageway, reducing the amount of traffic under temporary traffic light control to a minimum whilst the works are being undertaken and reducing disruption.
Special event arrangements were put into place prior to events at Blackburn Rovers Football Club. We participated in stakeholder meetings prior to these special events and programmed the immediate forthcoming construction works to ensure where possible to maximise pedestrian and vehicular flows through the scheme whilst these events took place.
Management of statutory undertakers
Effective management of statutory undertakers was critical on this scheme. Programming of statutory undertaking was sequenced early on in the project as part of the main infrastructure works to provide surface water drainage, gas, water, telecommunications and Electricity supplies the latter being for street lighting and signage. We pre-agreed excavation trench location drawings and layouts with statutory authorities in association with the client, engineer and other consultants.
It was especially important to allow access to the area of the new road realignment works following initial site clearance so that excavation trenches for all required services could be put in place.
Stakeholder management
We established strong communication links with all stakeholders and interested parties including:
Local residents, businesses and retailers, police and emergency services, PSV operators and the Local Authority Highways Department. We provided the services of a full-time Liaison Officer who maintained contact throughout the programme ensuring satisfaction was maintained.
She visited all adjacent properties and discussed their individual concerns before working collaboratively with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to deliver a bespoke presentation at a stakeholder open day which captured the queries raised. The open day also gave residents the opportunity to meet our site team and see project plans.
Strict working hours and acceptable noise levels were also set and adhered to throughout the programme. As demonstrated in the client reference shown below, this stakeholder focused approach a led to the project being delivered to the full satisfaction of the client with no issues reported to the council.
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