During the summer of 2007 the UK was hit by severe storms which caused considerable disruption to the infrastructure network. Unusually heavy rainfalls weakened the embankment of the A6102, this is the major commutor route to the centre of Sheffield, leading to its failure and eventual collapse into the River Don. The highway that was supported by the embankment was seen as unsafe and closed to traffic whilst a suitable solution was sought.

Site Challenge

One of the main problems with this project was the accessibility along the River Don, which flows parallel with the toe of the highway embankment. In order to provide a safe working platform, for the piling rigs and construction plants, at the base of the failed embankment. We placed bulk bags, filled with imported fill, into the river in order to form the edge of a temporary access platform. We then placed additional fill behind the bulk bags to provide a level working platform to install the toe piles and allow construction of the steep reinforced slope.

The A6102 was originally scheduled to re-open at Easter 2009. However we agreed to accelerate the construction program allowing the road to re-open in late 2008, several months ahead of schedule.