Client: Wirral Borough Council
Completion Date: April 2010
Duration: 30 weeks
Location: West Wirral
This high-profile West Wirral crossroads had become a notorious accident black spot as well as a political hot potato. Keeping the main access road open, the planning and phasing of this project was unusually complex.
As one of the busiest thoroughfares in West Wirral, this high-profile crossroads had become a notorious accident black spot as well as a political hot potato. With instructions to keep the main access road open at all times, the planning and phasing of this project has been unusually complex. Add to that a series of major archaeological and environmental considerations, and you have the recipe for a highly challenging project, that, demands the very best.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
As with all of our schemes, regardless of the size, we conducted a thorough door drop to all homes and businesses in the area. The communication advises residents of the proposed scheme, duration and nature of the works. We actively encourage feedback from the public, and in this instance, continue to engage in dialogue throughout the duration of the project.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Before work commenced on site a thorough Environmental Survey was conducted in partnership with the Environment Agency. A number of trees on site were subject to conservation orders, and the design was altered to accommodate this.
THE PLANNING STAGE
Our project team, headed by Senior Project Director Chris McClaughlin, turn the project from an initial brief to a fully phased project plan. Taking into consideration any key environmental, public or traffic management concerns, the detailed plan is then delivered to the client for senior level approval.
DRAINAGE
Major drainage works were carried out across the site. Road levels across the scheme were altered, and so additional drainage was required in lower lying areas of the site.
SERVICE DIVERSION MANAGEMENT
With significant telecoms and electrical services diversions necessary, and a major water main running through the centre of the proposed roundabout site, the programme was built around key notice periods and deadlines from our colleagues in utilities. A serious of diversion ducts were created, with little or no disruption to either the timing of the plan or local residents.
CREATION OF MULTIPLE CHICANES AND TEMPORARY CARRIAGEWAYS
The biggest consideration of the entire scheme was traffic management. A combination of heavy use, narrow lanes, and the necessity to keep the main carriageway open at all times, demanded a complex, phased, traffic management plan. The construction of multiple chicanes and temporary carriageways ensured traffic was kept moving at all times.
GEOMETRY TESTING
Phase 2 saw a temporary carriageway constructed across the centre of the proposed roundabout. This allowed us to precision test both the positioning and angle of the new roundabout structure.
AN ONGOING PROJECT, WITH ONGOING CHALLENGES
As a work in progress we are constantly adapting and updating our plan. With the recent discovery of an ancient hill fort on site, our plans, approach and phasing are continuously evolving. Regular project management meetings with the client and open dialogue with specialist colleagues, residents and other key stakeholders will ensure that our 100% record of delivering projects, on time, on budget and on plan will continue.
