- 01229 466939
- info@hbpcumbria.co.uk
HBP Ltd was appointed to deliver essential highway and active travel improvements along Buccleuch Dock Road, a key transport corridor serving the BAE Systems facility in Barrow-in-Furness. The project formed part of a wider initiative to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety whilst maintaining efficient traffic flow on a heavily trafficked route used by commuters, pedestrians and commercial vehicles.
The works involved the construction of new pedestrian infrastructure, carriageway widening measures, highway resurfacing and the creation of a dedicated cycle lane, all within a live operational environment.
The Challenge
Buccleuch Dock Road was experiencing significant deterioration to both the carriageway and footway, creating safety concerns and limiting the available space for active travel improvements. The 386 metre section of highway carried high volumes of traffic, including heavy goods vehicles servicing local industry, whilst also accommodating substantial pedestrian movements associated with nearby employment centres.
A key project challenge was the introduction of a new cycle lane without compromising minimum carriageway widths required for safe two-way traffic operation. In addition, a 135-metre section of deteriorated concrete carriageway required resurfacing; however, a medium-pressure gas main ran directly beneath the highway, severely restricting excavation activities and traditional reconstruction methods.
Maintaining access and ensuring the safety of road users throughout the works was critical, particularly given the strategic importance of the route to BAE Systems and local businesses.
Our Solution
HBP worked collaboratively with the client, utility providers and key stakeholders to develop an innovative and practical solution that delivered the project objectives whilst mitigating programme, cost and safety risks.
To create the required highway width, a new block-paved footway was constructed on one side of the carriageway, while existing barriers on the opposite side were removed. This approach maximised the available carriageway space, enabling the installation of a dedicated cycle lane without affecting traffic capacity.
Two raised pedestrian crossing tables were incorporated into the design to improve accessibility and provide safer crossing points for pedestrians using the new footway.
To address the constraints associated with the medium-pressure gas main, HBP proposed an alternative engineering solution that avoided intrusive excavation. Through careful planning and stakeholder engagement, we implemented an overlay resurfacing approach that renewed the carriageway surface while protecting both the gas infrastructure and the integrity of the newly installed surfacing.
Throughout delivery, HBP maintained close communication with stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption to road users while achieving all project objectives safely and efficiently.
Scope of Works
Sustainability and Social Value
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. HBP utilised recycled aggregates for the construction of highway and footway foundations, reducing the demand for virgin materials and supporting circular economy principles.
Our delivery methodology also minimised excavation requirements, reducing waste generation, vehicle movements and embodied carbon associated with traditional reconstruction techniques.
Project Outcomes
The completed scheme has significantly improved safety, accessibility and connectivity along Buccleuch Dock Road. The introduction of dedicated cycling infrastructure and enhanced pedestrian facilities supports sustainable travel initiatives, while the resurfaced carriageway provides a more durable and resilient asset for the local highway network.
Through proactive stakeholder engagement, innovative engineering solutions and robust project management, HBP successfully delivered a complex infrastructure project within a constrained environment, demonstrating our capability to undertake highways and public realm schemes for Tier 1 contractors, local authorities and major infrastructure clients.
Key Demonstrated Capabilities
This project demonstrates HBP’s ability to deliver complex civil engineering and highway infrastructure schemes safely, efficiently and collaboratively, whilst maintaining operational continuity for critical transport routes and key stakeholders.