Background
Manton Lane is a busy link road connecting into the A6 towards Bedford from the north. The road hosts retail outlets, industrial units, residential houses and Bedford Modern School. The main site of Bedford Modern School is situated on onside of the road with its playing filed across the road. The road has various crossing points but had been identified for a footbridge for some time due to concerns over high use of crossing points. There were ongoing safety concerns as students congregate on the footpath in large numbers waiting to cross. Ryebridge was awarded by competitive tender, the design, build and installation of the footbridge in late 2019.
Project Principles and Objectives
The programme designed by Ryebridge was to work simultaneously on both plots. Setting up a compound on onside of the road allowing for safe access and egress. Both plots were cleared and secured over a half term break utilizing the quieter time and ensuring that when students returned the area was demarcated. The road closure for the bridge install was completed over a weekend, again to minimize impact on the school and commuters.
Our Approach
The project itself was always going to be challenging with a high volume of stakeholders but was made much more challenging due to the pandemic. This had implications on workers, supply chain and general site management to ensure that all workers kept safe. CITB training undertaken by site team and a Covid Safe site was instigated. There were challenges through outbreaks in the factory and the design team working from home. Our approach was to pro-actively communicate and address and challenges or concerns in an open and honest manner.
Scope of works included:
Site Clearance
Piling (32 per side)
Foundations and bases
Drainage including soak-away construction
Bridge tie in to footpath
Palisade fencing
Under road closure the following:
Traffic management
Delivery and installation of deck/stairs supports
Delivery and installation of bridge span
Innovation and Best Practice
By designing and managing the progamme effectively Ryebridge was able to install the bridge in two visits. The ensure the impact to the School and local users and commuters was negligible. Foundations and bases completed in quarter 4 of 2020. Bridge span at the end of quarter 1 of 2021.
The project was awarded a RoSPA Silver Award, recognising the highest standard of Health and Safety within the project.
Moving Forward
The success in this project reinforces our commitment to early engagement and a close partnership with our clients. Our clients can be certain that we have their objectives at the centre of what we do. In this particular project we are extremely proud that our ability to build relationships and add value to our clients is evidenced successfully throughout.
Ryebridge is currently looking to develop its strategy towards securing similar schemes across the UK.
