Bardon Hill Quarry A511 Works Completion

About the Bardon Hill project

Bardon Hill Quarry is a four million tonne a year granite quarry located just north of Leicester, with important rail links to London and other strategic locations across the country. The quarry has been in existence since the 1800s. The current quarry planning permission reserves are coming to a close and granted planning permission for a new quarry extension which lies approximately 2km East of the existing quarry.

As part of the Bardon Hill Extension Project – Phase 1, there was a requirement for upgrade works to the A511 highway and upgrade the existing Level Crossing.

The work carried out.

Before the works are undertaken by Cairn Cross, acting as Principal Contractor, placed public information notice boards four weeks before implementing any traffic management to ensure minimal disruption to the public and businesses who regularly use the A511.

A full suite of public notice boards providing details and contact numbers of site personnel provide the public require any information.

The construction works were to clear the work areas of all vegetation, trees and shrubs.

After the devegetation works and set up of the Cairn Cross compound, works began on widening the footpaths or road, sub-base was laid and compacted where required, tactile paving, islands, edgings and kerbs were installed, followed by resurfacing works later on in the project. This increased the visibility splays for vehicles exiting the junction onto the A511.

Installation of a batter drain along the centre footpath, amendments of the road gullies and aco drainage concluded the drainage element of the works.

Collaborative working.

For the project to remain on the programme timeline, Cairn Cross maintained close coordination with the service providers. Cairn Cross was required to provide trenching works, pole diversion, and installation/modification of new/existing chambers for Openreach. Cadant Gas required supervision during their abandonment and installation of 158m of new gas piping. Virgin Media also required management during their diversion works. Western Power Distribution required the dismantling of approximately 28m underground cables and installing and lowering to approved depths of 32m of ducting for new underground lines.

Due to the upgrade works to the junction, we implemented new street signage and lighting. This upgrade consisted of bollards, illumination, signage, road markings and associated mechanical, electrical and civil work. Eight new 10m steel galvanised lighting columns with state-of-the-art LED luminaires and all associated electrical works carried out by our specialist electrical team.

Providing modern upgrades.

A significant part of the works was to upgrade the existing life expired level crossing with a new barrier level crossing. This change was to provide one of the biggest challenges in undertaking the works whilst maintaining minimal disruption to the highway. The permanent way works consisted of removing the existing track, excavation to 200mm below sleeper bottom, laying of new 200mm bottom ballast and compacted, and installing new track comprising serviceable concrete sleepers and rails.
The next phase was to supply and install a 16m long, heavy-duty rubber level crossing deck matching the newly installed rail. We installed new crossing barriers along with new signage and lights.

Cairn Cross continue to demonstrate their versatility in delivering a multi-disciplined project to their high standards and satisfaction by the client.

Learn more.

To learn more about this project, visit our project page about the Bardon Hill Quarry Works by clicking the link below.