Access challenges are a common feature of construction sites, especially in built-up urban areas. While these challenges vary in complexity, most are resolvable with the right planning and problem-solving approach. Addressing access challenges in advance or at an early stage of the project will help keep your project on track and also improve safety and efficiency for your team and stakeholders.
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In many areas, construction projects are tightly governed by regulations surrounding permits, building regulations, and restrictions on noise and working hours to reduce disruption to local residents and businesses. These can significantly impact accessibility to your site. For any site, therefore, it is essential that you set clear physical boundaries describing where the site ends and begins, as well as access hours. Ideally, there should be a physical barrier in place when required to ensure that no one with unauthorised access is able to step beyond.
Access to narrow streets in urban areas tends to be restricted due to limited space and traffic restrictions (e.g. one-way systems), making it problematic to transport, manoeuvre, or install large equipment. The challenge is compounded in the case of streets that are busy at certain times, including shopping streets and business districts, or sites located close to schools. To overcome this, it might be worth conducting a site survey to assess whether alternative routes are viable, or even if they are required. It can also be useful to prepare materials and large components (e.g. building façades) on site instead of beforehand.
Having to contend with a constant flow of pedestrians, residents, and vehicles can make it difficult for your team to access the site, transport the plant, and conduct their work without disturbing members of the public. You must have a practical plan in place to avoid disrupting local businesses and residents as much as possible, as this could otherwise elicit complaints and negative feedback, and even cause delays if the local authority feels they have to intervene. So, how do you overcome this? One of the most effective ways to avoid ruffling feathers is to engage with local residents and businesses before your construction project begins. This will help set expectations and avoid strained relationships with the local community. Many projects also use sound barriers and dust control systems to mitigate the impact of plant and deliveries on surrounding areas.
Accessing and managing construction activities on or around high-rise buildings presents unique project management challenges. Accessing off-ground locations often requires cranes, hoists, and scaffolding systems, as well as safety strategies on how to transport workers and materials to higher levels. You will also need to consider hazards such as falling objects and how to best provide access for your equipment. In some cases, scaffolding may not provide enough protection, which is why you should consider all protective options and where they should be placed for optimum value.
If you are carrying out work near an active railway, you might require permission before establishing your project working hours, especially if access requires you to cross or come close to the railway. In some cases, you may be required to conduct some of your work at night or outside of peak hours. Consider the use of walkways, access stairs, and end-of-platform extensions when planning your access strategy. If the line is live when you need to access your site, it’s important to implement strict safety measures, such as spotters to monitor railway activity, and to maintain an active line of communication with railway operators to coordinate delivery schedules so as not to interfere with train operations. Sometimes, you may need to install a temporary access road for uninterrupted deliveries to your site.
Have a look at this Wallnut Tree Close case study to find out more about how our team were able to address and overcome construction site accessibility challenges when delivering an external building façade project in South West London. For more information or to discuss your own project, please send us an email by hello@advanced-glass.co.uk.