Case study:
A27 Shopwyke – Delivering a Complex Barrier Solution

Project overview

The A27 Shopwyke project, completed in May 2024, involved the installation of a concrete barrier to protect the piers of a footbridge situated at the edge of a busy roundabout. Hill & Smith Infrastructure was awarded the contract, marking another successful project completed for long-standing client, Newton & Frost.

The challenges

The scheme presented some very specific challenges which through meticulous planning and collaborative working, all partners were able to overcome.  These challenges included:

The Need to Accommodate Existing Footpaths

The project site, located on the edge of a busy roundabout, required careful consideration of existing footpaths. The layout needed to ensure pedestrian access was maintained without obstructing these pathways during and after the barrier installation.

The Requirement to Design for Different Verge Specifications

Distinct requirements for the eastern and western verges presented specific challenges in terms of specification.  These included:

• • On the Eastern Verge: The requirement for a concrete-only barrier.
  • On the Western Verge: The requirement for a complex solution incorporating a curved section and a short length of steel N2 Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) at the departure end.

The solution

Through collaborative working and Hill & Smith Infrastructure’s end-to-end delivery from initial barrier drawings through to installation, the team was able to develop  a range of innovative solutions to tackle the scheme challenges. These included:

Installation of the RB185A REBLOC Barrier

The solution involved the installation of the RB185 Rebloc product, a high-performing barrier provided  by Hardstaff Barriers, part of Hill & Smith Infrastructure. This barrier is notable for being the world’s first extensively tested and fully EN 1317-compliant precast concrete safety barrier with the highest containment level H4a and a working width of W1. The RB185 also boasts an unmatched vehicle intrusion rating of VI2 and requires a footprint of just 0.8 metres.

Meticulous planning and collaboration

Meticulous planning and collaboration, together with input from the Hill & Smith Infrastructure drawing office and technical department, were crucial in tailoring the solution. The barriers were designed to be shorter, at 2.33 metres long with extended couplers, to accommodate the curved radius and allow more room for movement and turning.

Seamless installation

Preparation of Verges:

• Eastern Verge: New sections of concrete verge infill were created to ensure level ground for the concrete units.
• Western Verge: Due to designed kerb radii, special concrete units of reduced length were designed to accommodate the curve. All the radius was constructed in the concrete RB185 product, with patented end couplings manufactured to connect to the steel barriers.

Efficient Execution:

• Delivered through collaborative working involving multiple partners: Hill & Smith Infrastructure, Newton and Frost, Landbuild, and MJA Architects.
• The project was delivered in just two shifts per side, thereby reducing traffic management costs.

Compliance and Safety:

• Both approach ends of the barriers were fitted with Quadguard crash cushions to protect the H4a barrier ends.
• The Standards for Highways CD377 was strictly adhered to, ensuring compatibility between the different solutions used—steel, concrete, and temporary barriers.

Commitment to early engagement and collaboration

Hill & Smith Infrastructure dedicated significant time and resources to ensuring a suitable solution from the outset. This included several meetings and involvement at the design stage, which helped the client avoid unnecessary costs and time delays. The key aspects of this approach included:

• Early Engagement: By being involved at the design stage and early in the process, Hill & Smith Infrastructure was able to identify potential issues and address them before they could impact the project timeline or budget.
• Collaboration: Through close collaboration with all parties, Hill & Smith Infrastructure ensured that all requirements and constraints were fully understood and incorporated into the design.
• Expertise and Design Capabilities: Leveraging their extensive experience and expertise, Hill & Smith Infrastructure provided detailed and accurate drawings and specifications, ensuring that the final solution was both effective and efficient.
• Knowledge and Experience: Drawing on their vast knowledge and experience from working on similar projects, Hill & Smith Infrastructure was able to propose innovative solutions that met the specific needs of the project.

The project was completed efficiently over two separate visits, with concrete units installed first, followed by the steel barrier on the western verge. The meticulous planning and bespoke design of the RB185 Rebloc barrier, along with the collaboration between Hill & Smith Infrastructure and all partners, resulted in a successful installation to the client’s satisfaction.

Conclusion

The A27 Shopwyke project highlights the importance of tailored solutions and meticulous planning in barrier installations, especially in complex environments like busy roundabouts or structures with very limited space for protection. The collaboration between Hill & Smith Infrastructure and its partners, coupled with the innovative use of the RB185 Rebloc barrier, ensured the project met all safety and functional requirements efficiently.

Client Testimonial

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the recent project completed by Hill & Smith Infrastructure. The meticulous planning and bespoke design of the RB185 Rebloc barrier ensured that the installation was both efficient and effective. The collaboration between Hill & Smith Infrastructure and all partners was outstanding, and the final installation exceeded our expectations.” 

Phil Jones, Estimator, Newton & Frost.

Hill & Smith Infrastructure Comment:

“We are proud to have successfully completed this project with efficiency and precision. Our end-to-end delivery, coupled with the outstanding collaboration between Hill & Smith Infrastructure and our partners, ensured a seamless and successful installation. We are delighted that our efforts resulted in a highly satisfactory outcome for our client, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and innovation in road safety solutions.” 

Sarah Compton, Highways Account Manager, Rebloc. 

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