S278: A new access has been provided onto the A6 dual carriageway, involving the construction of a new roundabout on the A6 and a second, smaller roundabout within the site. A new road from the internal roundabout now links with Rothley village to the north, with upgrades completed at the central crossroads in the village.
S38: We were appointed to install a new spine road that loops around the proposed development. It incorporates industrial and residential specification roads to service 15 new residential parcels and community services.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Design Changes
Design changes have been a significant challenge for ECL to address, particularly in relation to S104 drainage and earthworks within this scheme. The drainage design has undergone multiple revisions since the initial construction phase, necessitating the creation of temporary haul roads to prevent damage to the permanent works intended for the ten future substations on the site. Currently, in collaboration with the client, we are engaged in discussions with service companies to refine our approach further.
High-Pressure Gas Main
The site features a high-pressure gas main, necessitating a collaborative effort with Cadent, the gas company. ECL has seamlessly executed watching briefs during close operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. All staff have undergone comprehensive toolbox talks, highlighting logistical intricacies. Additionally, a strategic easement has been established to mitigate potential risks associated with close proximity.
Significant Rainfall
ECL has dealt with significant rainfall during the project and constructed temporary haul roads to prevent damage to the permanent formation works.
Multiple Phasings – S278
278 needed multiple phases to access all areas of work. ECL has collaborated with the local council to determine the optimal times for these closures, minimising disruption to residents and road users. Works are carried out at night and on weekends to avoid peak traffic times.
Badger Sets
Badger sets were identified on-site. ECL has worked carefully in these areas, constructing heras-fenced areas to prevent construction traffic from disturbing them, thereby preserving their habitat.
Pedestrian Traffic
ECL has needed to ensure continuous pedestrian access throughout the project. However, this has led to challenges due to insufficient power on-site. Safety is our top priority, so we have installed temporary tower lights and road crossings to provide safe and reliable access for pedestrians.
Public Footpath Diversion
We established a temporary diversion of the public footpath using traffic management solutions to ensure pedestrian safety, maintain traffic flow, provide clear signage, and communicate effectively with the public.
LV and HV Cabling infrastructure
Embodied within the scheme was the laying of new HV ducting between the temporary Ring Main Unit to supply electricity to the ten substations on-site. To support this, significant off-site work was been required to bring the HV cabling into the new development. With the city of Leicester reaching electrical capacity, the initial solution was to draw power from the King Power substation, located 3 miles away from the development. On face value, this looked to be a promising resolution; however, with the number of roads, bridges and traffic management space required, the disruption and works to facilitate connectivity made the solution counterproductive. The compromise and agreed best option for the development was then to source the new HV cabling from Loughborough. The area of Loughborough is less populated, with a considerable amount of greenfield space. The project team continue to liaise with the local authority and statutory bodies to schedule the remaining works as we progress through 2024. We are now working on the build components of a primary substation and off-site ducting works, which are being built as part of the scheme.
PROJECT INNOVATION
Top performance with this new eco-friendly machine
We introduced the latest eco-friendly machine to the site: the Kobelco SK140 SRLC-7 side drain excavator, marking a significant leap in innovation for the construction industry. The excavator streamlines operations and enhances productivity, allowing operators to navigate tight spaces with ease and ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments, such as road closures. This innovation not only improves project timelines but also sets a new standard for excavator versatility, making it an invaluable asset for achieving superior results.
While sitting on the road base, we dug out the dimensions of the path before filling the area with stone and grading it. Working alongside the kerb-race team, we lifted and positioned the machine with ease, feeding the hopper with ready-mixed concrete as it moved forward. With the machine advancing, the operator was able to continually feed material into the hopper without needing to turn the track; he simply adjusted the angle of the boom and tilted the bucket to allow the material to drop into the machine.
SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
Powering Progress: Initiative with HVO Fuel for Sustainable Project Management
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are proud to implement HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel in our on-site plant machinery. This eco-friendly alternative significantly reduces carbon emissions, contributing to our broader goal of minimising the company’s environmental impact. By embracing HVO fuel, we not only prioritise the health of the planet but also foster positive change within the local community. The use of this sustainable fuel not only benefits the environment by lowering our carbon footprint but also enhances the overall well-being of the communities where our projects operate. It’s a small step with a big impact, aligning with our dedication to responsible practices and a greener future.
