The village of Wrenbury sits amidst the rolling countryside of East Cheshire. This quiet community of fewer than a thousand people made national headlines with their take on pothole avoidance.
Avoiding potholes and defects on Station Road in Wrenbury challenged motorists to take part in an involuntary slalom event. In order to warn drivers of the impending danger to their vehicles, local residents erected their own warning signs. It was the nature of these ‘amusing’ signs and subsequent ‘swear box’ that twice drew attention from the nations’ media.
A survey by Cheshire East Highways revealed the existing drainage could no longer accommodate the existing surface water run off. Essential works were required:
- Installation of new drainage system, including new surface water pipes, road gullies and manholes
- Installation of a new outfall and headwall at the River Weaver
- Road resurfacing and improvement works
- Reinstatement of road markings
- Kerbing, signage, fencing, hedge replanting, soil and seeding
The works were scheduled to commence in early June for a duration of 15 weeks. Cheshire East Highways approached Traffix to manage the flow of traffic and pedestrians whilst the work was carried out.
Working closely with East Cheshire Highways and other stakeholders such as Network Rail and the Environment Agency, Traffix designed layouts which would maintain access to businesses and properties.
Traffix supplied a crew of 4 traffic operatives who were in situ throughout the scheme to manage the closure and assist residents with access to and from their properties. At the closure points of the works Traffix introduced the latest in traffic management technology…
IPAWS (incursion prevention and warning system) is a digital incursion system designed to reduce the risk to TTM staff, workforce and road users. IPAWS removes the prospect of conflict by removing the operative from closure points.
However, although operatives were removed from closure points, there was still a need to provide a communication link for the public to reach traffic operatives on site. In conjunction with IPAWS Traffix used 2 customer communications terminals (CCT).
CCT is a responsive intercom device which enables the public to push a button and speak to traffic operatives. The system also monitors closure locations, providing real-time information which allows operatives to intervene if the site is breached
The project was completed on target and with zero safety incidents.
Ron Henderson, Drainage Manager for Cheshire East Highways commented: “I want to highlight the exceptional work of Traffix’s operatives on site. Their helpfulness and courtesy towards the residents truly made a difference. They also consistently ensured we adhered to safety standards at all times.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation to Traffix for their collaboration and eagerness to innovate throughout the purpose.”
Simon Ashley, Traffix Area Director-England-North added: “Our thanks go to Cheshire East Highways for inviting us to work on this project and for their support throughout. The innovations we introduced made a real difference to the smooth running of the closures; this is something we’ll be rolling out more frequently moving forwards.
“I would also like to thank the residents of Wrenbury. Obviously, they were happy that the road was being upgraded; nevertheless their patience and kindness was much appreciated by our crews, who themselves fully deserve recognition for their outstanding work.”
