38,000m2 of full carriageway & 24,000m2 of footway installed
Double high-level roundabout (Junction 1 & 2)
S278 off the A6
Hallfields Lane Cross Road Improvements S278
400mm dia rising main, under A6 carriageway
On Site S38 Main Spine Roads
Land Forming for Soft Landscaping & Hard Landscaping
2 Brick Built Substations & 2 Pump Stations
Storm Attenuation Tank 780m3 & Foul Attenuation Tank 280m3
Project Overview
ECL was successfully appointed as principal contractor to construct the infrastructure for Broadnook in line with the developer’s (Cora Homes and Davidsons Homes) visions for this new community. Our knowledge of local specifications and robust council relationships meant we were suitably placed to accelerate requests from Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) through to completion and highways adoption.
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: A new spine road has been constructed to loop around the proposed development. It incorporates industrial and residential specification roads to service 15 new residential parcels and community services.
Project Challenges
Throughout this project, we encountered challenges with design changes, particularly regarding drainage and earthworks for S104. The drainage design underwent multiple revisions during the initial construction phase, necessitating the creation of temporary haul roads to protect the permanent works intended for the ten future substations on the site. Managing the multiple phases of the S278 works, including carrying out works at night and on weekends to avoid peak traffic times, required precision planning. Additionally, we had to address issues related to the complexities of LV & HV cabling, relocating a badger set, excessive surface water due to poor conditions, and managing pedestrian traffic intricacies resulting from the lack of power at the site.
Project Outcome
ECL has offered a flexible approach to accommodate changes in scope to meet client deadlines on time. We have provided environmental solutions addressing wildlife, ecology, and silt prevention issues, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices and ecosystem preservation. In the process, we have established an excellent working relationship with the Leicestershire County Council, planning optimal closures and maintaining daily communication with the LCC inspection team. Additionally, we have promoted economic growth by hiring local labor and making positive contributions to the community.
PRODUCT CHALLENGES
HIGH-PRESSURE GAS MAIN
The site encompasses a high-pressure gas main, necessitating a collaborative effort with the gas company, Cadent. 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 any potential close proximity risks.
SECTION S278 WORKS
The section S278 works needed multiple phasings in order to access all areas of work, ECL have worked with the local council to determine the best times for these closures in order to cause the least possible disruption to residents and road users, with works being carried out at night and on weekends to avoid peak traffic times.
LV & 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 required to bring the HV cabling into the new development.
With the city of Leicester hitting electrical capacity, the initial solution was to take power from the King Power substation, which was 3 miles away from the development.
At 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 counter-productive.
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 route meant ducting under the M1 in a single location, but even with this minor complication, it has been agreed by all as the most viable route for the project.
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 through the build components of a primary substation and off-site ducting works being built as part of the scheme.
SURFACE WATER
ECL has dealt with significant rainfall during the project and constructed temporary haul roads so as not to damage the permanent formation works.
BADGER SETTS
Badger setts were identified onsite. ECL has worked carefully around these, constructing heras fenced areas to stop construction traffic near these areas to preserve their habitat.
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
ECL has had to maintain pedestrian traffic throughout the job, which has been problematic due to the lack of power tothe site. Safety for everyone is our top priority, and we haveput up temporary tower lights and temporary road crossings to maintain constant safe pedestrian access.
In addition, we have implemented a temporary diversion of the public footpath utilising traffic management solutions to ensure pedestrian safety, maintain traffic flow, provide clear signage, and communicate effectively with the public.
PROJECT INNOVATION
TOP PERFORMANCE WITH THIS NEW ECO-FRIENDLY MACHINE
We introduced the latest eco-friendly machine to site; the Kobelco SK140 SRLC-7 side drain excavator marks a significant leap in innovation for construction. This cutting-edge excavator brings unparalleled efficiency and precision to excavation projects. The excavator streamlines operations and enhances productivity, empowers operators to navigate tight spaces with ease, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. Allowing the excavator to be able to operate in relatively confined spaces such as road closures. This innovation not only boosts project timelines but also sets a new standard for excavator versatility, making it an invaluable asset to get superior results.
While sitting on the road base, we could dig out the dimensions of the path before filling the area with stone and grading it off. While working alongside the kerb-race team, we could lift and position the machine easily before feeding the hopper with ready-mixed concrete as it crept its way forward. With the machine moving forward, the operator was able to keep feathering the material into the hopper without the need to turn a track just by tweaking the angle of the boom and angling the bucket to allow the material to drop into the machine.
POWERING PROGRESS: INITIATIVE WITH HVO FUEL FOR SUSTAINABLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We used HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel for this project, greatly reducing carbon emissions and minimising our environmental impact. This sustainable fuel benefits the environment and the well-being of local communities, aligning with our commitment to responsible practices and a greener future.
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