THEIR CHALLENGE
Gleeson Homes required the installation of a new 300mm diameter concrete sewer along Ingleby Road in Bradford to service their newly constructed housing development. Ingleby Road, a major arterial route with high traffic volumes, posed significant logistical challenges. The client faced tight deadlines and the complexity of the works necessitated a separate contract from the main construction activities. The key objectives were to complete the installation efficiently while minimising disruption to traffic, ensuring safety around live services, and adhering to strict project timelines.
Due to the segmental nature of works only 10m of sewer could be undertaken at a time, any issue that affected a section had the potential to create serious delay on the overall timescale of the project. Adding to this, the site team routinely unvovered unforseen services and features in the ground which resulted in fast thinking from the site team – providing on-the-fly design modifications to address service clashes.
OUR SOLUTION
Appointed as the Principal Contractor for this element of the works, Applebridge developed a comprehensive strategy to overcome the complexities of the project.
Our approach involved:
- Implementing a phased traffic management plan to maintain traffic flow while ensuring the safety of road users and site personnel.
- Coordinating closely with utility providers to manage and navigate live services, including a medium-pressure gas main running parallel to the sewer route.
- Deploying specialised excavation equipment capable of dealing with hard ground conditions, particularly rock.
- Collaborating with Gleeson Homes and the project design team to quickly resolve clashes with existing live services, enabling real-time design adjustments.
- Engaging with local businesses and the highways authority to address concerns, manage expectations, and expedite the road reopening process.
SCOPE OF WORKS
- Installation of a 300mm diameter concrete sewer along Ingleby Road.
- Implementation of an adaptive traffic management system.
- Safe excavation around live medium-pressure gas mains and other utilities.
- Management of excavation in challenging rock conditions.
- Continuous liaison with Gleeson Homes, local authorities, and stakeholders.
- Ensuring public safety and minimising unauthorised access to the worksite.
THE RESULTS
Despite the complexity of the site and the challenging conditions, Applebridge successfully completed the sewer installation within Gleeson Homes’ tight deadline. Our adaptive traffic management approach minimised disruption, and proactive stakeholder engagement ensured positive relations with local businesses and the community. Design changes were swiftly implemented to avoid delays, while safety protocols ensured zero incidents involving live services. By focusing on collaboration, flexibility, and safety, Applebridge delivered a high-quality solution, enabling the client to progress with their housing development as planned, while restoring the highway to full use as quickly as possible.
