Actavo was contracted to provide part of a high quality continuous pedestrian and cycle route extending from Irishtown to Seapoint, achieving the long-held objective to provide a recreational promenade and cycleway from Sutton on the north side of Dublin to Sandycove on the south side. The project consisted of the upgrade of existing junctions at Booterstown Avenue and Trimleston Avenue and the construction of a two-way cycle lane at Rock Road, drainage, landscaping, re-surfacing, line marking and the application of high friction surfacing.
Key successes
- The project encourages a safe and free-flowing cycle infrastructure without impacting the heavy traffic volumes in the area. It delivered safe, segregated cycle facilities along the busy Rock Road / Merrion Road.
- Interaction with the public and managing statutory interfaces was a key part of the project plan. A stakeholder and communication plan was implemented to guide engagement and communications with identified key stakeholders and to also incorporate local stakeholders’ needs.
- Actavo developed an achievable programme based on the strict criteria as laid out in the road opening licence. It liaised with the ESB and Gas Networks Ireland due to the presence of existing high voltage electrical cables and high pressure transmission gas lines to ensure the programme was achieved with limited impact and disruption.
- Actavo along with Killeshal Concrete developed and trialled a new dutch entry kerb system (the first of its kind in Ireland) at the St. Helen's junction which provides a continuous crossing facility that gives priority to pedestrians in favour of vehicles.
St. Helen's Junction Dutch Entry Kerb
- Actavo developed a new concrete extruded kerb profile used for the cycle track facility. This was a bespoke NTA splayed kerb design which maximised the effective width available for cyclists and also providing a physical protective barrier from vehicular traffic. Actavo minimised traffic disruption by installing this kerb in one day.
Two-way Cycle Lane, Rock Road
Solutions to challenges
- The project was carried out in an extremely busy urban location. Actavo provided complex traffic safety and management systems through a sequence of phases at controlled junctions that required continual coordination with traffic operators for traffic light switch outs with junctions controlled by TM operatives in accordance with approved TMP’s and the relocation of existing traffic signals into temporary plinths to facilitate the works.
- Actavo carried out some of the more obstructive work off peak as the average daily traffic volume along the site road is 20,000+ vehicles.
- One of the existing drainage outfall pipes on the scheme was discovered to be blocked with no opportunity to clear it. Actavo worked with DLR to insert a new 225mm outfall pipe amid a plethora of services.
Benefits to client
- The project provides priority to pedestrians and allows safe vehicular crossing over the cycle carriageway when accessing from main streets into side streets and entrances to buildings.
- The project included the installation of several landscaped rain gardens, reducing water pollution and flooding by naturally absorbing stormwater runoff and conserving water by being self-irrigated.
- The project was completed without incident and with zero utility strikes, despite excavations being carried out in an area dense with existing utilities.
From the outset Actavo's expertise, commitment to excellence and professionalism stood out, making them an ideal choice for any construction project. One of the standout features of Actavo's involvement in the project was their dedication to minimising waste and adopting eco-conscious practices. Their ability to anticipate and address challenges saved valuable time and resources, ensuring the project remained on track.
Niall Geraghty
Resident Engineer, Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council
Testimonial
“I am pleased to share my exceptional experience working with Actavo on the ‘’Blackrock Park to Trimleston Avenue Sustainable Transport Improvements’’ scheme. From the outset Actavo's expertise, commitment to excellence and professionalism stood out, making them an ideal choice for any construction project.
Actavo demonstrated an immediate understanding of the principal project challenges by putting in place a robust and properly resourced Traffic Management Plan, appropriate for work along a main arterial route and busy urban environment. Actavo prioritised the road crossings for new traffic signal ducting and drainage. This was intricate work to successfully route all ducts and pipes through a myriad of existing services (gas, ESB, fibre optics, 24” water main). The successful completion of this work without incident and the coordination of all necessary stakeholders, verified Actavo’s competence to act as trustworthy project supervisor for the construction stage.
Actavo were a collaborative partner on this scheme. This shone through in their engagement with the project's design. They were quick to identify opportunities for enhancing certain aspects of the project and their queries and suggestions led to better-facilitated and improved elements in the scheme. Examples being:
- Development of a new concrete kerb profile type used for the cycle track facility. This was a bespoke NTA splayed kerb design which maximised the effective width available for cyclists. Actavo minimised traffic disruption by installing this kerb in one day.
- Actavo suggested value engineering proposals to save money and time in the construction of the Raingarden and SUDS elements of the scheme. After review of Actavo proposals with the PSDP, we were able to descope some retaining wall elements located under the carriageway.
- Actavo worked with Killeshal Precast, to develop new Dutch Style Kerb units (the first of their kind in Ireland) for the continuous crossing facilities. These crossings prioritise people walking along the route rather than ending the pedestrian facilities in favour of vehicles.
- One of the standout features of Actavo's involvement in the project was their dedication to minimising waste and adopting eco-conscious practices. As a climate-conscious county, we are constantly looking at ways to minimise waste and reuse materials to reduce our environmental impact. Actavo's innovative approach involved using a specialised machine to essentially 'microwave' parts of the old road surface, effectively resealing it and eliminating the need for a complete road surface replacement. This forward-thinking process not only saved resources but also showcased Actavo's commitment to sustainability and responsible construction practices.
Working with Actavo was a positive experience. They proactively identified potential roadblocks and devised comprehensive strategies to overcome them. Their ability to anticipate and address challenges saved valuable time and resources, ensuring the project remained on track. This is achieved by fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication, where we as the Client are continuously updated on progress and developments.”
Niall Geraghty
Resident Engineer, Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council