The Project
Kenward’s have been a long standing contractor to The Basingstoke Canal Authority, helping them to maintain, repair and replace the existing infrastructure. We were recently contracted to resurface a 3.5km stretch of the canal towpath between Pirbright and Deepcut. This included the removal of 31 trees, repairing sections of the bank and installing galvanised steel sheet piling where structural integrity was compromised.
The Challenge
This is a busy stretch of towpath, used by ramblers, dog walkers and cyclists and those who wish to commute to the nearby Brookwood railway station and Pirbright military camp. Maintaining a safe, secure working environment to ensure public safety, was our number one priority. Planning the logistics of excavators, tracked dumpers, barges, floating pontoons and materials movements was key to completing the project on schedule and reopening the towpath for public use as quickly as possible. All while monitoring and protecting the indigenous wildlife and vegetation on land and in the water.
Our Solution & Specification
Before work commenced, a phased plan was put in place to minimise disruption. The work was split between two teams, the first working from the Deepcut end installing the sheet piling from a barge mounted excavator and the second from Pirbright, reshaping and resurfacing the towpath. Both teams comprised of operatives experienced and qualified to work in this environment. Secure compounds were established to store materials and machinery along with refuelling and servicing stations to mitigated the risk of accidental spillages and unnecessary damage to the towpath, canal bank and surrounding vegetation. Tree ‘blankets’ and root protection zones were established to protect the many ancient oaks and other trees that lined the route. After careful ground preparation, increasing the towpath width and creating new cross falls and cambers, we laid a primary limestone base, bonded with a limestone grit that was compacted to achieve a smooth, hardwearing surface. We are proud to say that we were able to complete the project ahead of schedule, on budget and without incident or unnecessary damage to the environment.
Why Use Kenward?
Kenward’s have worked with the Basingstoke Canal Authority and other councils and organisations for many years. We are adept at maintaining, repairing and replacing all manner of canal infrastructure, including locks, sluices, culverts and lock bridges. Our teams have the appropriate qualifications and experience to operate on land and on water and we have invested in the plant and machinery required to work in these types of environments.
