First impressions count as we win a new customer based on our work on the LutonDart project at London Luton airport.
Integrated highways service provider, VolkerHighways, initially approached APC Civils for two main reasons – firstly because they required temporary barriers for a major bridge repair project, and secondly, because they had been impressed after independently seeing the quality of our work on the LutonDART project, being undertaken by joint venture VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier, at London Luton Airport.
In April 2019, VolkerHighways needed a supply of temporary barriers while they carried out repairs and maintenance to bridge parapet safety railings on the A1081, the busy main link road from the M1 to London Luton Airport. The concrete barriers were required to protect the work zone from vehicles travelling along the A1081.
What was the challenge of the project?
VolkerHighways needed to carry out vital barrier and parapet repair works on a section of the A1081. The biggest challenge was how to carry out the work with minimum impact on road users, without causing any added traffic congestion to an already busy stretch of the A1081.
We initially supplied 84 linear metres of barriers for one week in order to protect the work zone. The work schedule also included relocating barriers from lane one to the central reserve and then providing barriers for a further week while the parapet railings and safety fencing on both sides of the bridge were repaired and maintained.
What was the solution offered by APC Civils?
We provided temporary concrete barriers which had suitable containment levels to protect the work zone.
Our barriers do not require pinning to the road surface, which made them ideal for working on this particular bridge as other barrier systems use anchoring pins, which can penetrate the waterproofing membranes of the bridge.
The installation was seamless and we delivered and installed the barriers quickly and efficiently at night with minimum impact and disruption to road users.
When amendments were required to the programme of works, we simply worked with VolkerHighways to re-schedule convenient times to carry out the barrier relocation.
Working flexibly in this way is a service we offer and is something we encounter on a regular basis. We pride ourselves in doing our level best to ensure our client can meet their deadlines and timescales and understand when problems and delays arise on site.
What were the benefits VolkerHighways experienced using APC Civils?
Safe work zone: We offered a temporary barrier system that had suitable containment levels to safely protect the work zone from traffic on A10181. This meant the barrier repairs could continue night and day without the need for road closures.
Flexibility: We were flexible in terms of work dates, and we continued to offer flexibility to VolkerHighways following changes to the work programme.
Communication: Through excellent communication with VolkerHighways, which was very much in evidence during this project, we have received nothing but positive feedback since the works were completed.
What we have to say about working with VolkerHighways
It was a delight to work with VolkerHighways and continue to supply them with temporary barriers in the Luton area. The whole working process from start to finish was strong and effortless, built on a foundation of trust and communication.
This type of work we carried out for VolkerHighways is the core focus of our business demonstrating our temporary barrier solutions, flexible installation arrangements and a business relationship built on great communication and excellent customer service.
What VolkerHighways say about working with APC Civils
“The standards set by APC Civils during this project were as high as we expected. They did not disappoint. Their communication, with regard to every facet of the project, was of the highest order and their staff were constantly responsive and flexible in adapting to our needs.
“We hope to have the opportunity to work together again in the future, should the need arise, and we would happily recommend APC Civils to other companies.”
Curtis Irish, Schemes and Major Projects Supervisor, VolkerHighways
If you would like to know how APC Civils can help you with a similar situation, please get in touch by calling 01949 838647.
