Springhill Roundabout
THE BRIEF
Robert West Consulting was commissioned by Springhill Farms having previously worked successfully on their site, providing a reservoir for both irrigation and drainage purposes.
On this occasion, the brief was to design and secure technical approvals for a new junction (three arm roundabout) on the A44 to provide access to a new development that comprises a five-hectare glasshouse and anaerobic digester facility. In addition, Robert West Consulting provided feasibility, transport planning, procurement advice and construction administration for the on-site works.
VALUE-ADDED SOLUTION
Practical constraints involved keeping the flow of the traffic on the A road moving by undertaking the construction off-line and in several phases; highway drainage issues resolved with the unusual solution of a private attenuation pond; and the disparity in levels between the A44 and the immediate site at the junction overcome by the layered build-up of earthworks to achieve adequate strength.
FINAL OUTCOMES
Technical approval and S278 Agreement was obtained from the Local Highway Authority (WCC), who accepted the drainage solution, having been provided with evidence that on-site flooding would not affect the highway and that highway run-off would not result in site flooding. Local residents were pleased that trucks carrying waste destined to/from the digester would not pass local houses. Robert West Consulting has continued to work further with Springhill Farms, providing advice and design services on their other sites.
Our lead engineer was delighted to see the cones removed and the roundabout open – which was only topped by seeing the Tour of Britain cyclists riding through it!
