Projects Archive - McPhillips https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:07:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-McPhillips-high-quality-RGB-Roundel-Logo-002-32x32.jpg Projects Archive - McPhillips https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/ 32 32 DUDLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME SPRING HILL FOOTBRIDGE https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/dudley-road-improvement-scheme-spring-hill-footbridge/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 16:23:04 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=26529 Project background The Dudley Road Improvement Scheme includes upgraded junctions, new bus lanes, new segregated…

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Project background
The Dudley Road Improvement Scheme includes upgraded junctions, new bus lanes, new segregated cycle routes, widened footways and a new footbridge alongside Spring Hill Canal Bridge.

In order to extend carriageway widths on Spring Hill to the required standards, it was necessary to remove a footpath. The new footbridge replaces the footpath, providing safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists over the canal.

The challenges
The position of the footbridge had to tie in with the levels of the carriageway and provide a set amount of clearance for canal users. In order to achieve this, a slim profile design was required, which determined an aluminium construction. However, the number of companies worldwide capable of manufacturing an aluminium bridge is very limited.

There were a number of stakeholders involved in this stage of the project. Dudley Road is a key route for public transport, a major hospital is situated virtually opposite the site of the bridge. In addition to closing a major road network, the canal would also require closure during installation.

Birmingham City Council were inviting members of their senior management team to view the installation of the bridge. Planning an installation date that suited the programme schedule and which worked for the client was also a consideration, especially as the bridge was being shipped from Europe and subject to multiple regulations.

The solutions
We instructed a Shropshire based specialist bridge installer, who acted as liaison with the bridge manufacturer based in Germany.

Early engagement with Birmingham City Council and private transport companies provided a clear plan for road closures and diversions.

Installation of the bridge would require road closures for between 4 – 5 hours, it was decided that the work must be undertaken during a Sunday evening.

A full canal closure was agreed with the Canal and River Trust. A physical blockade was put in place to prevent any boats approaching the site.

A safe viewing area was created for members of Birmingham City Council, other stakeholders and the general public.

The result
McPhillips Contracts Manager Paul Handley commented: “The installation was a great success, our team on the night and our partners did a fantastic job, it was a very well organised operation.”

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FREEDOM LEISURE CENTRES, SOUTH SOMERSET https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/freedom-leisure-centres-south-somerset/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:05:13 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=25542 Project background McPhillips were commissioned to undertake the Capital Works Element (refurbishment works) to three…

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Project background

McPhillips were commissioned to undertake the Capital Works Element (refurbishment works) to three leisure centres run by Freedom Leisure in South Somerset. Two of the centres were situated in Yeovil (Goldenstones and Westlands), the other in Wincanton. We worked alongside the clients PSDS appointed Mechanical & Electrical Contractor (Lorne Stewart) undertaking energy saving installation works.

Scope of works

Goldenstones
Refurbishment of gym
Construction of new spin studio with store room
Increase size of aerobics studio utilising the pool viewing area
Created a new reception area
Refurbishment of the back of house facilities
Upgrade of the disabled changing areas
Upgrade of the wet changing area
Installation swimming pool seating

Westlands
Enlarged and refurbished the gym area
Construction of a new aerobics studio
Refurbishment of the existing dance Studio

Wincanton
Relocation and enlargement of the gym
Construction of new spin studio
Creation of new storage facilities to the sport hall
Refurbishment of the aerobics studio
Provide a new reception desk and finishes to the lobby area
Install a new hygienic ceiling into the wet changing area

The challenges

The biggest challenge faced by our teams across all three centres was completing our works in a live leisure environment. A key consideration from the outset was how to keep the facilities running for members without compromising our work.

During our work at the Goldenstones centre we had to keep a swimming pool live whilst refurbishing the changing rooms. An additional challenge faced by our team at Goldstones was the realisation that the changing room structure was incorporated with the concrete substructure.

The solutions

In order to minimise disruption, we worked closely with centre managers and staff to devise walkways for public and staff areas. At Goldenstones we erected temporary screens, signage and barriers to maintain the swimming pool live use.

To mitigate against the severe disruption of noise and dust whilst taking out the concrete plinths at Goldenstones, our team worked from 10pm through to 6am.

The result

The project was completed within the budget. We were subsequently asked by the client to undertake further works to aid the PSDS elements (Leisure Energy Saving Plant). Feedback from the centres has been positive.

McPhillips Quantity Surveyor Doug Hampson commented: “We were presented with a few challenges throughout these works, particularly when trying to keep facilities open to members. However, our teams did a fantastic job in finding solutions that worked for all parties.”

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THE BRAMBLES, WHITCHURCH https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/the-brambles-whitchurch/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:55:27 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=25529 The Brambles is a private cul-de-sac of fourteen occupied residential properties situated in Whitchurch, Shropshire…

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The Brambles is a private cul-de-sac of fourteen occupied residential properties situated in Whitchurch, Shropshire which were built by a private developer approximately seven years ago.  The original developer had failed to construct the road and sewerage infrastructure to an adoptable standard and ceased trading before this could be rectified.

Following a competitive tender McPhillips were appointed by Shropshire Council to remediate the road and footways and the original non-compliant foul and surface water drainage to Welsh Water specification in order to facilitate its adoption.  This work involved:

  • Replacing the surface water and foul water sewers located in the road.
  • Building a new foul water pumping station compliant with Welsh Water specification.
  • Resurfacing the existing road and footways.

The challenges

The new pumping station was to be constructed adjacent to the original pumping station in a constrained area of the site between occupied properties.

The site had a high-water table so requiring dewatering during the pumping station construction.

Maintaining the foul water discharges from the occupied properties while replacing existing drainage.

Accessing the gardens of fourteen occupied properties to lay new drainage and reinstating lawns and patios.

Reducing disruption and maintaining access to the residential properties.

The solutions

In order to maintain foul water discharges from the occupied properties a temporary pump and chamber was constructed within an existing manhole before the original pumping station was decommissioned.  When this was activated we were able to remove the original equipment, dewater the site using a sump pump and excavate ready for installation of the new pumping station.  Arrangements were made to remove foul waste using tankers in the event that the temporary pumping station was insufficient however this was not required.

Access was maintained to the properties wherever possible and when a road closure could not be avoided we provided temporary car parking for residents close by.  We also planned for emergency vehicle access to the properties around the clock.

Close liaison with stakeholders was required for the planning of work on each individual property and our team developed positive relationships with the residents.

The result

The project was completed five weeks ahead of schedule to the satisfaction of the local stakeholders and through our close liaison with the adopting water company throughout the project we are optimistic that the timescale for adoption will be significantly reduced.

Project costs and the environmental impact were reduced by re-using the existing pumping station kiosk and control panel.

Andrew Dunham, our Project Director for the work, commented: “‘This was a complex scheme due to the history of the site and the fact that access to a lot of our working areas was constrained however I am pleased that we’ve been able to help the residents of The Brambles while delivering another successful project in partnership with Shropshire Council.”

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MERCIA FOREST CREMATORIUM AND MEMORIAL GARDENS, ESSINGTON https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/mercia-forest-crematorium-and-memorial-gardens-broad-lane-essington/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:55:42 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=25387 Scope of works The works involved the construction of a new Crematorium in South Staffordshire…

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Scope of works

The works involved the construction of a new Crematorium in South Staffordshire on what was a brown field site, largely covered in vegetation/mature and semi-mature trees.

The building included a chapel complete with a feature wall of Brickwork built to clad the Catafalque wall, along with traditional two coat plaster, feature lighting, decoration and floor finishes, reception, storerooms, WC’s/accessible WC, vestry, waiting room, transfer room, garden store, cremator room with 2no cremators, staff room, viewing room, entrance lobby and porte cochere.

Construction was a combination of render/random rubble clad blockwork walls, with glulam beam purlins and driven concrete piled foundations.

M&E works included comfort cooling, ventilation, heating, domestic services, lighting, alarms, small power, music, CCTV.

Externally

The site covered an area of approx. 10 acres and was cleared to create formal and informal pathways, a memorial garden and an ashes scattering area. New surface water, foul and land drainage were installed and an attenuation pond created. Permeable paving and tarmac installed to the roads and car parks and block paving, resin bound gravel and mulch to the pathways.

Additionally, Section 278 Highway works were delivered through a contract with Staffordshire County Council to enable access to site. This work included localised widening of Broad Lane and introducing a right-turn lane.

The challenges

The back of house area required completing 10 weeks prior to Practical Completion to allow the client’s specialist contractor to install specialist equipment.
The 10-acre site required landscaping works early in the project to give the client maximum benefit from day 1.

The solutions

McPhillips co-ordinated resources to commence early in order to provide a building ready for the client’s specialist contractor to install the back of house equipment. Landscaping was programmed early to allow hedges, trees, and the soft landscaping time to establish before the site was handed over.

The result

Overall, the project was a success. On a recent return visit the site manager for Westerleigh quoted Mercia Forest as being the jewel in Westerleigh’s crown.

This was a result of McPhillips site team and the clients in-house architect working closely to understand the requirements and aspirations of the client for this project to match the quality of the Westerleigh Portfolio.

Dave Morgan (McPhillips Contracts Manager) summed up: “It was a very interesting project, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to build and create an environment to allow people to mourn and reflect in such peaceful and tranquil surroundings.”

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ALDERTON PIPE BRIDGE, TEWKESBURY https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/alderton-pipe-bridge-tewkesbury/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:59:09 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=23310 McPhillips were commissioned by Avove, a leading infrastructure services and engineering company, to undertake the…

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McPhillips were commissioned by Avove, a leading infrastructure services and engineering company, to undertake the replacement of an existing 225mm diameter pipe bridge which was damaged and in need of repair.

The works comprised of:

  • Construction of 194m of post and 3 rail fencing
  • Construction and installation of 8 reinforced concrete piers, 2 of which act as expansion joints, along with associated foundations
  • Installation of circa 170m of 300mm diameter ductile iron pipework across the newly constructed RC pipe bridge piers
  • Installation of a concrete protection slab to a section of newly installed ductile iron pipe that didn’t meet STW depth of cover
  • Installation of pipe supports
  • Demolition and offsite disposal of the existing pipe bridge
  • Removal of all existing pipe bridge piers to 1m below ground level
  • Construction of 3 new 1200mm diameter PCC Foul Water manholes
  • Making connections into existing Foul Water Manholes
  • Installation of 2 ‘Witches Hats’ along new pipe bridge
  • Reinstatement of the field

Specific materials were used for this project:

  • Reinforced concrete piers and bases on mass concrete foundations design based upon ground bearing pressures, depths of foundations varying between 900mm and 3.5m.
  • 300mm ductile iron pipe work painted with Hempel Hempadur Black polyamide curing, high solids epoxy paint.
  • Vandgard access deterrent ‘Witches Hats’ (designed to reduce pressure on the pipe in flood conditions and eliminate condensation which might otherwise cause corrosion).
  • Specialist fabricated brackets to fit concrete piers – the saddles lined with 6mm thick UV & weather resistant high-density rubber.
  • Teekay Axiflex (non-axially restrained) Type IV coupling, with EPDM gasket expansion joints protected with fabricated stainless steel shroud.

The challenges

We faced numerous challenges during the works, probably most significantly the challenge of working within a flood plain adjacent to a fast flowing watercourse during the flood season.

Other challenges we faced included:

  • Fabricating the specialist galvanized pipe brackets within the required time frame.
  • Sourcing the Vandgard access deterrent ‘Witches Hats’.
  • Using a spreader beam to install the ductile iron pipework in sections previously bolted together in 14m lengths.

The solutions

We chose ductile iron due to its robustness and adaptability to various geographical configurations and types of environments.

The result

The overall solution of diverting the pipe bridge was completed on budget and within the specified timescales. We worked in close liaison with the client in order to address issues as they arose and presented solutions promptly.

Using a 300mm diameter ductile iron pipe for above ground foul water gravity drainage with expansion joints seemed daunting initially, however the McPhillips team met the challenge head on to produce a successful end result. The works were completed to the full satisfaction of the client.

McPhillips Contracts Manager Simon Westmacott commented…

“This was a fascinating project, something out of the ordinary to challenge the McPhillips team. There were plenty of challenges along the way, including having to work within a flood plain and to tight timescales. It’s not every day we’re asked to divert an above ground ductile iron gravity sewer.“

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LAKESIDE SCHOOL, LIVERPOOL https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/lakeside-school-liverpool/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:17:32 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=21591 McPhillips were commissioned by The Witherslack Group to build a new Special Educational Needs (SEN)…

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McPhillips were commissioned by The Witherslack Group to build a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) secondary school on the site of the former Wheathill Farm in Huyton, Liverpool. The Witherslack Group are the leading provider of specialist education for children with communication difficulties, complex social, emotional and learning needs.

This £4.8 million project took 44 weeks to complete and involved the demolition of an existing farmhouse and buildings and remediation of contaminated ground. This was a substantial build project which required the existing primary school to be linked to the new school and the new buildings had to accommodate the complex, diverse needs of the pupils within the school.

The works comprised of:

  • building a new steel framed teaching block, kitchen/dining area, administration block and associated external works.
  • creating a specialist IT/Media room and Science, DT and Food Tech facilities, fitted out with bespoke furniture.
  • installing a commercial kitchen adjacent to a full height dining area with roof lights and acoustic panels.
  • new reception, meeting rooms, offices and staff facilities.
  • a new glazed corridor and additional classrooms to link the school to the existing primary school.
  • new aluminium windows and curtain walling system.
  • car charging facilities, a new bike/ bin store and a MUGA area.

In terms of materials:

  • the building used a combination of brickwork, timber cladding and render.
  • the roof coverings were a mixture of slates and standing seam which was also used vertically on the walls to the kitchen/dining block.
  • external finishes included, block paving, tarmac, slabs and permeable grasscrete.

The challenges

A key challenge facing McPhillips was completing the works in a live school environment, where the safety and wellbeing of both pupils and staff was paramount. Creating a positive, safe and nurturing environment for SEN pupils is key, so keeping the disruption to an absolute minimum was essential.

The design and build needed to accommodate the neurodiverse needs of the children, so stakeholder engagement and consultation from the very start of the project was a must. Day to day practicalities for staff and potential obstacles for pupils needed to be considered by everyone involved in the build.

SEN schools are complex environments, so there is no room for error. The needs of every individual pupil had to be taken into account and an alignment of vision was necessary from all parties involved.

The solutions

Early stakeholder engagement and ongoing dialogue with our client enabled us to deliver the complex requirements of this build project. The McPhillips project team had a unified vision which helped us to work collaboratively with the client, staff and pupils throughout the project.

Having this joined up approach with the client gave us a better understanding of the needs of the end users – pupils, staff and parents/carers, so that buildings, facilities and outdoor areas could be built in accordance with those needs.

Works of this scale inevitably cause some disruption, but this was kept to a minimum wherever possible, in order to maintain the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

The result

The project was completed on time and on budget. Feedback from the client, staff, pupils and parents has been overwhelmingly positive.

The new secondary school was linked to the existing primary school with a new glazed corridor and additional classrooms, which were completed ahead of the main programme to allow the client to take early possession of these areas for the new academic year.

McPhillips’ Project Manager David Morgan commented…

“ Projects of this nature are always complex, as the needs of the client are very specific and bespoke. The works needed to be completed on time, as the start of the new academic year is fixed and can’t be changed. We worked collaboratively with The Witherslack Group at every stage of the project, so that we could identify potential problems early on, work together to find solutions and minimise disruption to the day-to-day operation of the school. “

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SHIFNAL TOWN CENTRE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/shifnal-town-centre-improvement-scheme/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:56:04 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=19782 McPhillips were commissioned to complete the Shifnal Town Centre Improvement Scheme in order to create…

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McPhillips were commissioned to complete the Shifnal Town Centre Improvement Scheme in order to create a more pedestrian friendly area for shoppers and businesses and to improve the existing infrastructure. In addition, the works were intended to slow down and avert traffic from the town centre, where possible.

The works comprised of:

  • Realigning and improving capacity at key town centre road junctions.
  • Constructing two new zebra crossings and uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points on Bradford Street, Market Place, Victoria Road, Church Street, Aston Street, Broadway and Shrewsbury Road.
  • Road resurfacing, new traffic signs and a new 20mph speed limit.
  • Constructing new kerb lines in conservation kerbs and widening existing .footways using high quality natural stone paving.
  • Hard and soft landscaping.
  • Updating drainage systems.
  • New parking bays to provide on-street parking parallel parking.
  • Planting beds and new trees in large underground topsoil zones.
  • New street furniture including benches, bins, free standing planters, cycle racks and hanging basket brackets.
  • New street lighting with LED illumination to improve light quality.

The challenges

A key challenge facing McPhillips was how to maintain heavy commuter traffic flows through Shifnal town centre using temporary traffic management on the existing narrow road network for the duration of the works. There was also the added pressure of trying to maintain pedestrian routes and access to businesses, especially considering that trade in the town centre was recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scheme was subject to public consultation and public meetings, which led to some elements of work being re-designed during the contract, before it was approved by Shropshire Council, Shifnal Town Council and local councillors. Approval also had to be sought from the Department for Transport for permission to remove vehicular access in certain areas.

We also had to factor in the impact of reinstating old cellars and replacing an old, damaged culvert discovered on-site.

The solutions

A traffic management strategy was produced by McPhillips with the aim of keeping disruption to the public to an absolute minimum.

Ongoing dialogue with businesses within the footprint of the works was carried out by McPhillips’ Site Agent Adrian Elsdon via face-to-face meetings, where COVID-19 restrictions allowed, letters or emails, so that their needs could be taken into consideration.

Close contact and meetings with the Town Council, Shropshire Council and Shropshire County Council highways permitting team were carried out to keep everyone informed about the different phases of the project and impact of the works on the general public i.e. road closures and diversions.

Detailed planning of the works also provided sufficient working space for our workforce whilst still maintaining pedestrian and vehicular flows.

Pedestrian and traffic marshals were present on-site to assist the public. Adrian Elsdon, the site agent, was proactive in ensuring everyone’s needs were accommodated.

Obviously works of this nature inevitably cause some noise disturbances but these were kept to a minimum and dust suppression measures were used when cutting paving slabs and materials.

The result

Through agreed working times across main shop frontages, night working for planing out the existing highway, tarmacking and high friction works, effective planning and close liaison with all stakeholders, the site team were able to complete the primary objective of completing the works as agreed.

The work areas were clearly defined and barriered off, pedestrian crossing points and walkways were clear and accessible, and every effort was made to ensure businesses could continue to trade. Access to premises was maintained for local businesses and residents alike.

Continual liaison with businesses and the general public helped to ensure that the scheme was delivered with minimal complaints.

Shifnal’s annual carnival went ahead unhindered, disruption to the main carriageway during the weekend of the Cosford Air Show was kept to a minimum and all main contract works were completed in time for the 2022 Shifnal Christmas light switch-on and Christmas market.

Our Site Agent was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Shifnal Town Council to recognise his “dedicated support for the community” in encouraging local ‘buy-in’ and ensuring that the scheme ran smoothly.

Adrian commented on the project,

“We hope we have created a town centre environment which will be used and enjoyed by the community of Shifnal, and we understand that Shifnal Town Council have already started making plans to use the new space for the reintroduction of town centre markets following the success of the recent Christmas Market held in Bradford Street.”

For more information on other McPhillips’ civil engineering projects visit: https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/civil-engineering/

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SHREWSBURY INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PACKAGE: TOWN CENTRE PACKAGE 2 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/shrewsbury-integrated-transport-package-town-centre-package-2/ Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:32:01 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=18866 Following on from the successful delivery of two previous phases of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport…

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Following on from the successful delivery of two previous phases of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package McPhillips were appointed as the principal contractor for delivering improvements across four high trafficked streets in Shrewsbury Town Centre.

The aim of the project was to drive economic growth in the town centre by developing pedestrianised areas and enhancing the user experience for shoppers and local businesses, whilst preserving the historic features of the town. Pedestrians were put at the forefront of the scheme by creating a more modern environment for shoppers and diners. By changing footways and carriageways and streamlining navigation, this modernisation programme would also lead to improvements in road safety and town centre parking.

This highly successful project was commended in both the 2022 CIHT West Midlands awards and the 2022 CECA Midlands Region awards.

The Challenges

One of the key challenges facing McPhillips was the impact of the coronavirus pandemic mid-project on sourcing the high quality natural stone materials and adhering to timescales for completion.

Other challenges included:

  • Maintaining the existing features of the town, whilst achieving a modern look and feel to the pedestrianised areas.
  • Interfacing with stakeholders and simplifying navigation for pedestrians through this re-designed area of the town centre.
  • Minimising the impact of noise, vibration and dust whilst the works were being completed.
  • Maintaining the quality of paving materials.

The Solutions

Socially distanced working practices and safe methods of working were devised and operated.

Material delivery schedules were secured by working closely with our supply chain and additional facilities were put in place to comply with Covid-19 Government guidance.

Site meetings were held outdoors and public information providing updates on the project status was displayed on information boards in the town centre.

The result was a disruption to construction activities of just two weeks.

High quality natural stone materials were used in order to try and achieve the balance between old and new.

  • Footways were repaved using  high quality Yorkstone paving and feature granite.
  • New kerb lines were created in natural stone.
  • Footways were widened, drainage updated and pedestrian crossing points improved.

To address stakeholder engagement, a public liaison officer and two full-time pedestrian marshals were appointed to assist the public with navigating the town centre and support people with mobility issues.

22 permanent Wayfinder units were also installed at various points in the town centre to assist the public with optimised routes around the town centre.

Acoustic barriers were used around the material cutting stations and working areas to reduce noise, vibration and dust.

Our on-site materials controller inspected material quality as deliveries arrived and mixed palettes as necessary to reduce colour variations when laid.  Where possible, waste was reduced and materials were recycled:

  • Excavation arisings and tarmac road planings were recycled and reused on another McPhillips project.
  • Existing concrete paving slabs were re-used by Shropshire Council within the county.
  • Paving material placement was optimised to reduce the number of slabs and kerbs that needed cutting.

The Results

The project delivered key improvements for pedestrians and local businesses in terms of safety, accessibility and user experience. New footways, carriageways and public spaces accommodating high levels of footfall can now drive economic growth in this key area of Shrewsbury.

The project was completed within the required timescales and on-budget, despite the disruption caused by Covid-19 and resulting changes to working practices on-site.

The customer feedback survey provided by Shropshire Council gave McPhillips a score of 100% across quality, safety, service, workmanship, communication/information, environment and subcontractors.

A member of the public commented on the project,..

“I went into Shrewsbury today, and I have to say it is looking awesome. The Council has done a great job of taking advantage of the quiet times over the past year to give the town an overhaul, and I love it. The wide stone pavements are lovely, the pavement benches, more bike racks – the whole thing is so much more pleasant to be in and feels safer (from traffic). Thank you, Shrewsbury, it’s great.”

McPhillips Contracts Director Andrew Dunham commented…

“We are delighted to have our work on the successful transformation of Shrewsbury town centre recognised. Working throughout Covid restrictions presented its own set of challenges, but our teams responded magnificently and delivered the project on time and within budget. Receiving the CECA and CIHT Commended Awards for our work was the icing on the cake.”

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A34 SPRINT PACKAGE D WORKS, BIRMINGHAM https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/a34-sprint-package-d-works-birmingham/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:27:10 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=18511 Sprint represents a key element of delivering an integrated, environmentally friendly transport network for the West…

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Sprint represents a key element of delivering an integrated, environmentally friendly transport network for the West Midlands by creating a network of uninterrupted bus priority routes across the region.

Passengers using services that operate along the Sprint corridors benefit from the delivery of new and extended bus lanes, with Sprint buses receiving priority at traffic lights. This is intended to improve the speed of services travelling between stops and could potentially cut journey times by 20% at peak periods.

Phase 1 of the Sprint project was required for completion in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr. The A34 route is part of Birmingham’s Strategic Highway Network and provides links to key routes including the M6 (connection at junction 7) and the A4540 ring road that circulates Birmingham City Centre.

McPhillips were appointed to carry out the following works; upgrading of new junctions, (incorporating revised traffic signals), new Sprint bus stops to accommodate new style buses, widening of existing carriageway, site clearance, earthworks, fencing, drainage, kerbs, footways and paved areas, traffic signs and associated electric works, bus lane enforcement cameras, street lighting and carriageway plane and relay.

The challenges

The layout of the carriageway and associated speed limits vary along the route.

A very busy local environment including schools, a court, local businesses and residential properties.

The A34 is a main route into and out of Birmingham with very heavy traffic flows, particularly in rush hours.

The majority of works were carried out on or near a live carriageway.

Existing services within excavation areas.

Birmingham was hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games at various locations including the nearby Perry Barr Stadium, therefore, the project had to be completed before the event commenced.

The solutions

A traffic management strategy was produced by McPhillips with the aim of keeping disruption to the public to an absolute minimum.

Detailed planning of the works to enable sufficient working space whilst still maintaining pedestrian and vehicular flows.

Close contact / regular meetings with the all stakeholders and statutory undertakers.

Out of hours working utilised during weekends and nights to minimise disruption.

Detailed safe systems of work for excavating around existing services. The use of vacuum excavation provided a quicker solution in certain areas whilst also lowering risk of damage to existing services.

The result

Through extended working hours across evenings and weekends, effective planning and close liaison with all stakeholders, the site team were able to complete the primary objective of completing the works before the Commonwealth Games commenced. The works have much improved public transport flow through areas of congestion.

McPhillips’ Site Manager Chris Overton commented: “Although significant challenges were encountered during the project, they were successfully dealt with by working in a collaborative manner, which resulted in a successful scheme with a high-quality end product”.

For more information on other McPhillips’ civil engineering projects visit: https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/civil-engineering/

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DUDLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME (WESTERN ROAD), BIRMINGHAM https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/projects/dudley-road-improvement-scheme-western-road-birmingham/ Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:34:52 +0000 https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=18069 In the quest to find solutions that meet clean air targets and reduce congestion in…

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In the quest to find solutions that meet clean air targets and reduce congestion in city centres, encouraging people to walk, cycle and use public transport has become the focal point for local authorities.

During the next five years, substantial new housing projects will be undertaken near Dudley Road in Birmingham. This will add further pressure to navigating safe passage around the area, therefore Birmingham City Council decided to improve the A457 Dudley Road by:

  • Upgrading facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Providing new bus lanes
  • Reducing traffic congestion through junctions

The scheme includes upgraded junctions, new bus lanes, new segregated cycle routes, widened footways and a new footbridge alongside Spring Hill Canal Bridge.

Western Road was the first of a number of sections of the Dudley Road project, this section was located within the middle portion of the scheme. As the project title suggests this section was located at the junction of Dudley Road and Western Road.

The project objective was the widening of a 400m section of Dudley Road and 100m section of Western Road. In addition to the carriageway widening works this included significant service diversions, new drainage systems, central reservations, street lighting, traffic signals and associated pedestrian crossings plus a separate toucan crossing), road signage, new footways and blue cycleways.

THE CHALLENGES

A very busy local environment including a Primary WPD substation, City Hospital, the Soho Loop large mixed-use development, and Saint Patricks Primary School.

The A457 is a main route into and out of Birmingham with heavy traffic flows, particularly during rush hours.

Due to the presence of a primary substation, there was a significant amount of HV cable to be diverted. Additional services requiring diversion included BT fibre-optic and copper networks, a gas main, several water mains and Virgin Media comms.

Site rules stated that no mechanical excavation could take place within 500mm of a live service. The need to reduce ground levels around services would involve a large amount of excavation with hand tools which would have been hugely time consuming and labour intensive.

THE SOLUTIONS

Detailed planning of the works to maximise available work space with consideration to all users ensuring traffic flows and pedestrian footways were maintained.

Close contact / regular meetings with all stakeholders and statutory undertakers.

Out of hours working utilised during weekends and nights to minimise disruption.

Detailed safe system of works for working around services. The introduction of  vacuum excavation offered a much quicker excavation solution negating the need for additional labour. Vacuum excavation also offers significant health and safety benefits due to the far lower risk of damage to live services.

THE RESULT

The project achieved its primary objective – dramatically improving traffic congestion within the area, the difference from before the project and after is remarkable. Moreover, both pedestrian and cycleway safety is much improved within the local vicinity.

The nearby Perry Barr Stadium was the venue for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, therefore, the project had to be completed before the event commenced. Through extended working hours across evenings and weekends, the site team produced a gold medal winning performance to ensure the new scheme was ready well before the Torch arrived.

McPhillips’ Project Manager Paul Handley commented: “The significant challenges which were encountered by ourselves and Birmingham City Council during the project were dealt with in an impressive, collaborative manner. Quality control throughout the project was of the highest order.

“The shared on-site office enabled quick responses and earlier decision making. This contributed to the continued, excellent working relationship with Birmingham City Council, leading to McPhillips being awarded the next phase of the Dudley Road Improvement Scheme.”

For more information on other McPhillips’ civil engineering projects visit: https://www.mcphillips.co.uk/civil-engineering/

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