Murphy Group

Case Study: Murphys – Road Surfacing Works to Provide Access Points and Utility Trenches

Project Overview

This case study highlights the challenges and successful implementation of road surfacing works designed to provide access points and utility trenches for a large-scale urban development project. The primary objective of the project was to create safe, durable, and accessible routes for construction vehicles and workers while ensuring that utility services could be efficiently installed and maintained.

Client Overview

J Murphy and Sons are installing heavy duty HV cables from an offshore windfarm at Happisburgh to Necton Power Station. The project required tarmac access points to be installed at numerous points along the 76 mile route as well as the reinstatement of road crossings. Temporary access routes were needed to allow for the installation of these utilities and provide continued access for site operations throughout the construction phase.

Challenges

Several challenges were encountered during the planning and execution of this road surfacing and trenching project:

1. Site Constraints: The site was located in a densely populated urban area, surrounded by existing roads, businesses, and residential properties. The challenge was to minimize disruption to the local community while ensuring that construction could proceed smoothly.
2. Traffic Management: Ensuring the safe movement of construction vehicles, delivery trucks, and pedestrian traffic while keeping the surrounding roads accessible was a key concern.
3. Weather Conditions: The project needed to proceed during varying weather conditions, which included heavy rains that could delay the road surfacing and trenching activities.
4. Utility Coordination: The project involved coordinating the installation of multiple utility services in a limited space, which required precise planning to ensure the proper depth, alignment, and safety of each trench.

Objectives

The objectives for the road surfacing works were:

• To provide safe and stable access points for vehicles and construction machinery.
• To accommodate trenching for utilities, ensuring that utilities could be laid without disruption to existing services.
• To ensure that the temporary access points could withstand the weight of heavy machinery without compromising safety or efficiency.
• To minimize impact on the surrounding community and local traffic flow.
• To ensure proper drainage and maintenance of the temporary access roads to avoid delays caused by poor weather conditions.

Methodology

1. Site Survey and Planning
   A comprehensive site survey was conducted to identify the best locations for the access points. This involved assessing existing road conditions, utility infrastructure, and potential obstacles such as trees or buildings. The planning phase also included consultations with local authorities to ensure that necessary permits and road closure approvals were obtained.
2. Road Surfacing Design
   The design of the temporary access roads needed to balance cost-effectiveness with durability. A flexible approach was taken, using bituminous materials, which were ideal for the surfacing as they provided a robust and smooth surface for vehicles, could withstand heavy loads, and were relatively quick to install.
3. Trenching for Utilities
   The utility trenches were carefully planned to avoid interference with existing infrastructure. Trenching was conducted in phases, ensuring that each section could be properly managed and filled in after the utilities were installed. Special attention was given to the trenching methods to minimize the disruption to the site’s structural stability and local roads.
4. Traffic Management and Safety Measures
   A comprehensive traffic management plan was developed to ensure that both local traffic and construction vehicles could safely coexist. This plan included clear signage, barriers, and road markings, as well as a pedestrian detour route. In addition, temporary lighting was installed at access points to ensure visibility during night-time operations.
5. Weather Mitigation
   To mitigate weather delays, drainage solutions such as temporary culverts and surface water management techniques were implemented. These ensured that the access roads remained operable during periods of rain and that water did not accumulate in the utility trenches, causing delays.
6. Monitoring and Maintenance
   Regular inspections were carried out throughout the duration of the project to monitor the integrity of the temporary access roads and trenches. This included checks for settling, surface damage, and the condition of safety barriers. Any repairs needed were addressed immediately to avoid work delays.

Implementation

The project was executed in a phased manner to ensure that each access point and trench was completed without disrupting the overall timeline. The construction team used modern machinery to carry out trenching and road preparation work efficiently. Road surfacing was completed in stages, starting with the primary access routes, followed by secondary roads and utility trenches.

The installation of utilities was synchronized with the surfacing of the roads to ensure minimal disruption. Trenches were backfilled after the utilities were laid, and the road surfacing was completed promptly afterward. Safety measures, including temporary signage and barriers, were put in place to protect workers and the public at all times.

Results

1. Efficient Execution: The project was completed within the specified timeline and budget. Despite challenges like inclement weather, there were no major delays, thanks to proactive planning and effective weather management techniques.
2. Minimal Disruption: Local traffic was disrupted as little as possible, and the temporary access roads ensured that construction activities could continue without causing significant inconvenience to surrounding residents and businesses.
3. Utility Installation: The utility trenching was successful, with all required utilities installed to the proper depth and in line with safety standards. Coordination with utility companies ensured a smooth process, preventing conflicts between infrastructure installations.
4. Long-Term Impact: The temporary access points provided not only short-term solutions but also laid the groundwork for future permanent road improvements in the area. These roads were also designed with a view toward possible conversion into permanent access routes post-construction.

Conclusion

The road surfacing and utility trenching project was a success due to careful planning, effective execution, and ongoing collaboration with local authorities and utility providers. The access points provided critical support for the ongoing project and ensured that construction operations proceeded without significant disruption to the surrounding area. The lessons learned from this case will help inform future road surfacing projects, particularly in urban environments where constraints and risks must be carefully managed.