RB22 Installation – Northern England

Project Overview: SafeSite Facilities was contracted by a client to install road traffic barriers for a critical traffic management operation on a busy expressway in Northern England. The objective of the project was to segregate traffic lanes to ensure the safety of workers as they performed lane works, while minimising the disruption to ongoing traffic flow. This installation had to be completed out of hours during a weekend to avoid peak traffic periods.

Client Requirements: The client’s primary requirement was to create a secure and safe working environment for their team by segregating the lanes of traffic. This was to be done using robust, effective road traffic barriers to ensure the safety of workers while also providing effective traffic management. A strict time frame was also imposed: 6 hours to complete the installation of 125 barriers, fill them with water for stability, and ensure they were securely in place. This would allow the scheduled works on the expressway to begin immediately after the installation was completed.

Scope of Work: SafeSite Facilities was tasked with the installation of 250 metres of RB22 barriers with side plates and steel connecting pins. The barriers were required to be securely positioned to create a safe, controlled work area where the lane works could be conducted efficiently.

Project Execution:

1. Planning and Coordination: Given the high-traffic location and strict time frame, meticulous planning and coordination were essential. A detailed schedule was created to ensure the project would be completed within the required 6-hour window. This included organising the delivery of the barriers, water filling equipment, and all necessary tools and personnel.
2. Installation: The installation was scheduled to take place over the weekend to minimise disruption. SafeSite Facilities deployed a skilled team of professionals, all of whom were fully trained in the proper installation techniques for traffic barriers. The barriers were carefully placed along the expressway, ensuring proper alignment and stability for the duration of the works.
3. Water Filling and Securing: As per the client’s specifications, each of the 125 RB22 barriers needed to be filled with water to ensure they were securely anchored. The water filling process was executed quickly and efficiently, ensuring that each barrier was stabilised within the strict time constraints.
4. Traffic Management: The team coordinated with local authorities and traffic management professionals to ensure the safe diversion of traffic while the installation was taking place. Proper road signage and lane closure notices were set up in advance to alert drivers to the changes in traffic flow.

 

Challenges:

• Time Constraints: The most significant challenge of the project was the 6-hour window to install 125 barriers and fill them with water. To meet this challenge, our team had to work efficiently, with no room for delays or disruptions.
• Safety Considerations: Working on a busy expressway required stringent safety protocols. Ensuring both the safety of workers and the uninterrupted flow of traffic was paramount.
• Weather Conditions: As the installation took place outdoors over a weekend, weather conditions were closely monitored to ensure that no adverse weather would affect the work schedule.

Results: The project was completed successfully within the designated time frame. The installation of 250 metres of RB22 barriers, along with the water filling, was done to the highest standard of safety and precision. The barriers created a secure work zone, ensuring the safety of the workers while the lane works were conducted.

By working out of hours, the project minimised disruption to traffic, ensuring minimal impact on road users. The client was able to proceed with their lane works as scheduled, with a fully secure work zone in place.

Conclusion: SafeSite Facilities delivered a high-quality, timely solution to the client’s requirements. The installation of road traffic barriers on a busy expressway was executed flawlessly, with the team completing the task within the strict 6-hour window. The barriers provided the necessary protection for workers, and the client’s expectations were met and exceeded, reinforcing SafeSite Facilities’ reputation for reliability, efficiency, and safety in high-pressure situations.