| Quarry traffic management |
There was a need to improve the traffic system on this site due to congestion. A single weighbridge was previously modified into a twin weighbridge which helped ease the congestion. However, this did not completely resolve the issue.
Other previous attempts to manage traffic flows at the site had led to the introduction of a two way road system instead of the preferred one way system. The routing of vehicles was largely unclear particularly for those accessing the site for the first time.
The main entrance was also a significant bottle neck as there wasn’t a designated safe sheeting area for tipper vehicles and the exit was narrow and offered poor visibility.
Several measures were implemented to resolve these issues. A large gantry sign was installed to provide clear directions for all site visitors. Parking areas for readymix trucks were clearly established as all site vehicles had to pass safely in front of the readymix plant.
The laboratory has an off loading/sampling point. A pedestrian barrier was erected to protect laboratory staff from the traffic. A culvert was installed to solve the problem of standing water at the plant, a particular problem for smaller vehicles. Whilst road sweepers were regularly hired to keep the area clean.
The new Lafarge sheeting policy requirements also had to be incorporated into the site traffic system. A safe area for the sheeting activity and facilities for drivers to ensure they don’t climb onto the back of their vehicles had to be provided. The solution required more land and the introduction of a new site exit onto
the nearby B road.
Planning permission was obtained relatively quickly as the local authority could see that the scheme would improve the access and egress from the site, making it safer for both site users and the general public.
The sheeting area design incorporated two trimming platforms to allow drivers to trim their loads and enable sheeting within a safe area free from passing vehicles. The overall congestion at this site has
improved following these changes. |