ROAD PLANING SUPPLIERS AND ENGINEERS

Description of works:

The project was undertaken along a shared usage path between Railway Lane and Ham Lane in Lewes in East Sussex, which forms part of the Egrets Way. These paths form a continuous traffic free route for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users alongside the River Ouse. The path enhancements were undertaken on an existing footpath throughout, some of which had a narrow self-binding gravel surfaced path which needed to be widened, and the rest was an unsurfaced grass track.

A new width of 2.5m was to be achieved along the route wherever practicable in an approved limestone dust self-binding gravel surface to match the existing sections of Egrets Way. The path ran through a local nature reserve and open fields, as well as passing under the live railway line, the track under the bridge that allowed for this also required works which meant height restrictions and hand dig elements had to be contended with.

The open fields form part of a flood plain and special consideration had to be made for building up soft spots where required using a pre agreed 6F5 recycled aggregate. Finally, where the presence of trees required it, a cellular no dig solution was used to build up the path accordingly.

Method of operations:

The team scraped off all areas by hand or mechanically and prepared for a surface of 20mm x 2.5m Limestone Dust (6mm – 0mm) and a 150mm x 2.8m MOT Type 1 granular fill subbase – this was laid across a formation of 2.8m width and contained a Geotextile of 100 g/m2 strength laid between formation and the Type 1 granular fill. Allowance was made for a predetermined crossfall or altered to allow for a camber as topography dictated.

Tree lined narrow points along the path.

The team prepared the formation to receive 100mm cellular build up for a no dig solution. These were to be filled with Type 1 MOT and topped with 20mm x 2.5m Limestone Dust (6mm – 0mm).

Fencing, gates, and farm track remedial works. As the path ventured through two landowner’s properties, we were charged with replacing 4 no. gates, two were five bar galvanised and two were oak pedestrian ones with self-closing systems. As well as this we were required to construct around 20 meters of three rail soft wood post and rail fencing and an oak timber cattle crush with external kraal. These all required special consideration due to the surrounding wet land and specific farmer requirements.

Management of Risks and Interaction with the public:

As the path remained open for pedestrians wherever possible and often even when it wasn’t, the team had to allow for constant interaction with the public. Risks were mitigated for this by using the appropriate full or half height barriers, clear and new signage at multiple interaction points and only undertaking banked dumper movements of aggregate and muck away and always having banksmen at either end of the excavator.

Edburton Contractors prides itself on being a considerate contractor to the local community and the surrounding environment, so any deliveries were made outside of usual rush hours so as to minimise traffic disruption and engines had to be turned off as soon as the vehicle was stationary.

The team met regularly with Eco Consultants, SDNPA and Lewes Town Council as well as community volunteers to ensure they were adhering to the strict environmental considerations required as well as with the local landowners for any livestock movements.

Due to the proximity of wetlands and woodland banks we were constantly monitoring for any wildlife activity or associated evidence to ensure we stayed alert of potential interaction even after all surveys had been signed off as clear to proceed with the works.