The Project
Application: Public Access
Location: St. Albans, Verulamium Park
System: Ramp and Platform
Requirements
The requirement for this unique project, was the supply and installation of a temporary metal modular walkway and ramp system, that would effectively be used as a raised gantry to allow access from the St Michael’s Street entrance to the park across an area of the park known as Bell Meadow. This area had been cordoned off from the general public for a 18 month period due to extensive flooding, which had caused significant damage to the tarmac path that runs through Bell Meadow, making access impossible for anyone who wished to access this area of the park.
During the survey it was established that Verulamium Park is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is now protected under law, it lies not far from the Verulamium Museum – which showcases St Albans, ancient Roman past. On a regular basis ancient roman artefacts are discovered, uncovering even more of the ancient past of St Albans / Verulamium. We were acutely aware of the importance of the site, not only to history but the local population, so with this in mind we needed to design a temporary walkway that was not only fit for purpose but as respectful as possible to the site and local area. This close proximity to ancient artefacts and ruins meant that any ground disturbance required approval not only from Historic England but also the local authority.
Our modular walkway was the perfect answer, raised above the flood prone ground, it follows the route of the original damaged path while remaining safe and accessible in all conditions. Designed with inclusivity in mind, it accommodates wheelchair users, pushchairs and pedestrians with ease, incorporating passing places for added convenience.
Features
The ramp needed to be suitable and fit for purpose, following on from our site survey we determined that the ramp needed to have the following specification:
- Standard Handrails – normal handrails could be used as the ramp was under regulation height of 380mm for balustrade handrails.
- The ramps at either end of the walkway were 3.3m in total and was accompanied by a main platform of platform/walkway of 1.2m x 80m (this was by the far the largest platform span that Easiaccess have installed)
- ‘Waffle’ GRP Mini Mesh surface – this is one of our new surface offerings that provides a safe all weather surface that contrasts with the black standard handrails.
- 1 : 12 gradient as per surveyors’ recommendation.
- Continuous handrails – we used our standard connectors which allow continuous handrails meaning we could ensure compliance with building regulations.
- Accompanying 2D plan and 3D elevation drawings
- Angle Sections, 15 degree angle sections were used along the walkway to provide a small turn in the ramp so we could follow the route of the path.
- Heavy Duty feet – these were utilised to provide a more sustainable footing for the walkway given the damage to the existing path.
End Result
The install was completed after 40 hours on site, our installers were able to liaise with the local authority staff who were able to meet our team on site to discuss any extra requirements and keep the project running smoothly. We regularly spoke to pedestrians and the public who were in and around the entrance to the park and were naturally interested in what was being installed.
The installation was not without its challenges, the significantly damaged path, which was extensively flooded, proved difficult to work with – due to flood water, damaged tarmac, extensive debris from the flooding and the path wasn’t not perfect straight footpath, it was strewn with small angles and slight deviations along the route.
We are delighted to have worked on this unique project, and happy to have played our part in the reopening of the Bell Meadow section of Verulamium Park. As mentioned, the project was not without its challenges but the end result makes it all worthwhile and Easiaccess are incredibly proud of the finished installation.
Contact
Request a free survey and quote or discuss what product and service is best for you.
Make Enquiry