Civil Engineering, Rail contractor & Build Specialists
Toll Bar Junction Improvement Scheme
Toll Bar Junction Improvement Scheme
The existing capacity of this busy junction used by commuters and those attending the adjacent academy was to be improved. The works consisted of roundabout entry/ exit widenings, remodelled roundabout and splitter islands, improved pedestrian footpaths and cycleways.
Action
- Traffic management
- Site clearance
- Drainage alterations
- Service diversions, and installation of new service ducting
- Kerbing
- Street lighting replacement
- Carriageway widening
- Footpath/ cycleway works
- Pedestrian guardrail installation
Stakeholders
Due to the sensitive nature of the project and the large number of local residents living in close proximity to the junction, a Public Liaison Officer (PLO) was assigned to the project. The PLO, a staff member and local resident, worked in close collaboration with all internal and external stakeholders to effectively log and manage all project communications with interested parties. To facilitate this, a dedicated project telephone number and email address was established and included in multiple letter-drops and client issued communications with the community. 100% of issues raised during the works were closed out satisfactorily within a 48hour window.
Challenges and Solutions
Disruption to traffic had to be minimised. During preconstruction, we worked in collaboration with the council and their preferred traffic management subcontractor to agree project phasing and traffic management arrangements before works commenced. Traffic management details and changes were included in all letter-drops to residents and businesses.
Multiple property access was required to be maintained. The Site Manager established contact with property occupiers to provide suitable temporary access arrangements. In addition, our site team also supported residents with weekly residential waste collections.
Toll Bar Academy is located adjacent to the junction. The academy has approximately 1,900 pupils attending. The works around the main school entrance were programmed specifically to be undertaken within the academy summer holidays to maximise safety and reduce disruption. Where works affected existing crossing points and footpaths used by students, marshalled temporary crossing points were established, and a phased crossing regime implemented in collaboration with academy staff.
Another constraint was the presence of numerous BT ducting. This posed a challenge to our planned drainage and kerbing works. We exposed sections of ducting to carefully slew services away from clashes and provided reinforced concrete protection slabs over these, mitigating the need for diversions and ensured works progressed productively.
Additional footpath resurfacing works were also factored into the programme with additional resources provided to minimise programme delay.
Result
Despite the numerous constraints that we faced during the project, all works were completed on time, within budget and to an excellent standard. Stakeholder satisfaction was maximised throughout, and this important junction will continue to serve the community for years to come.
The Difference We Made
In remodelling this busy junction, we have increased the efficiency of traffic flow, and reduced local congestion. Replacement and remodelling of the existing footpath/ cycleway has increased both capacity and safety for users. The local Humberston Eco-Conservation Centre also benefitted from the project through donation of site won materials.