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Context:
On behalf of Cadent, Network Plus installed 1.4km of gas pipe under Mottram Moor, Tameside. As the major truck route from Sheffield to Manchester, the site needed expert and responsive traffic management to keep the site safe while minimising disruption for traffic and residents.
Approach:
Due to the complex nature of the site, GTM worked closely with Cadent and Network Plus to develop a viable scheme that met the requirements of all stakeholders.
Signage and communication were key elements of the scheme, immediately implemented upon approval, with permanent message signs on the M1, temporary variable signs in the surrounding area and client-led press messaging. A fortnight before the first major closure, signage was used to give advanced warning to motorists to find an alternative route.
Throughout the project, GTM worked flexibly with the client to adapt the plans to meet the changing needs of the site, reallocating gangs and adjusting to changes as and when needed.
The team implemented Urban Traffic Control for a 1-way closure and adjusted highway signals, as well as a major reconfiguring of highway layout to allow a dedicated lane for M60 traffic.
GTM worked with the client operatives on site as a single team to meet the needs of the project, and helped both teams to overcome any challenges faced.
The Challenge:
The major stakeholders – Highways England, Tameside Council, Derbyshire Council and Transport for Greater Manchester – outlined clear requirements for the traffic management, due to the location.
The scheme required 24/7 traffic management throughout the project and had to provide adequate routing for buses, as well as full, accessible footpath arrangements. The motorway network and access to schools could not be compromised and the site was not to include any temporary traffic lights.
The team ably managed the complex site amidst heavy traffic, reacting to client requirements that developed and responded to resident and motorist queries.
Conclusion:
This is a great example of GTM’s experience and expertise in managing complex schemes in heavy-flow traffic. It also demonstrates the teams’ agility in responding to site-based complications and emerging client requirements, while still providing a consistent public-facing service.
The extremely positive feedback received from a local resident, key stakeholder Tameside Council and from one of the teams on site for the client clearly demonstrates the success of this high-profile traffic management scheme.
Feedback
“The traffic management has always been immaculate and in really good order. I drive past daily and have never had any cause for concern. The communication throughout has been second to none. I know the road crossings on Mottram Moor, Back Moor and Stalybridge Road were tricky to manage with moving traffic but they have all been undertaken without a traffic signal in sight. Well done!!!”
“…a massive thanks to you and your team, for the professional and proactive manner in the way you have delivered the traffic management on my site. The two lads on-site Neil and David have been absolutely fantastic, the job has been difficult at times, but they done everything I have asked of them. They are a credit to you, GTM…”
“The Traffic management for this scheme has been difficult and changes in the layout seems, from our perspective, to have been carried out with far less disruption and noise that we have experienced in the past… Throughout the works all of the people who have been working here have been polite and courteous and have worked some long hours to get the job done despite some unexpected problems. We can only praise them and wish that the workforce from other organisations would be as thoughtful towards residents in the area they are working.”
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