During 2017/2018, a new retail park was constructed off the A6102 (Bochum Parkway) south of Sheffield city centre on the site of the old Norton College. The site was developed by St James Securities Limited and GMI Construction were the principal contractor for the scheme.

Howard Civil Engineering was awarded the S278 works package to provide public access into the site. We installed a new MOVA traffic signal-controlled junction, incorporating two new filter lanes, and realigned the adjacent kerb lines and bus stop layby just off the busy Bochum Parkway which is a busy dual carriageway. This enabled traffic approaching both from the east and the west to gain access to and leave the retail park.

In addition to entrance works, Howard Civil Engineering made adjustments to the adjacent Meadowhead Roundabout with the introduction of an additional lane (from two lanes to three lanes) to increase capacity around the roundabout.

We commenced works in May 2017 and completed works on time in February 2018. The scheme was challenging throughout, with the use of off-peak traffic management for dual carriageway works and night-time and evening work for works affecting the roundabout. The night-time closures required for final surfacing, road marking and loop cutting were especially complex as we endeavoured to maintain access into businesses, sports centres and hotels sited off the affected carriageway. We successfully rephased the S278 works partway through the contract to mitigate our client’s delays in the provision of new services into site.

A full community liaison scheme was undertaken by Howard Civil Engineering which was extremely well received. This included the delivery of a biweekly electronic newsletter to local residents, businesses, and service providers, delivering relevant information about the roadworks and forewarning temporary traffic management that was likely to have a detrimental effect on travel times. This reduced the number of complaints and queries received from the public to us, our client, and Sheffield City Council.