Case Studies - Church Road, Penn
Church Road, Penn
Project Overview
The Church Road Footway & Drainage Improvements project involved the reconstruction
and upgrade of existing pedestrian infrastructure and surface water drainage systems along
Church Road, Penn. The scheme was designed to improve pedestrian accessibility,
enhance highway drainage performance, and protect the surrounding environment,
particularly within sensitive Root Protection Area (RPA) zones associated with established
trees.
The works included specialist no-dig footway construction techniques within protected RPA
areas, asphalt footway reconstruction with timber edging restraints, and drainage
improvement works including swale maintenance and ditch clearance to improve surface
water management and reduce flood risk.
Client:
Location:
Duration:
TfB Transport for Buckinghamshire
Church Road, Penn
12 weeks
Services Provided
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Site clearance and preparation
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Asphalt footway reconstruction
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No-dig construction within Root Protection Areas (RPA)
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Timber edging restraint installation within RPA footway sections
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Surface water drainage improvements
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Swale clearance and reprofiling
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Ditch clearance and vegetation removal
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Pub car park resurfacing works as part of social value commitments
Project Challenges
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Delivering reconstruction works within environmentally sensitive RPA zones without damaging existing tree roots
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Installing suitable edge restraints within no-dig construction areas while maintaining compliance with arboricultural requirements
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Maintaining access for residents and local businesses at all times during construction activities
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Coordinating out-of-hours activities to minimise disruption to the surrounding community
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Working within strict environmental and arboricultural requirements
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Maintaining strong communication with local stakeholders and businesses throughout the programme
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Ensuring effective surface water management to reduce localised flooding risks
Gallery
Our Approach
01
Traffic, Pedestrian & Stakeholder Management
Works were delivered using phased construction and carefully planned traffic management arrangements to maintain safe pedestrian movement and uninterrupted access for residents and local businesses at all times. Programming was coordinated around school operating hours and bus route requirements, with certain activities undertaken out of hours to minimise disruption.
02
Footway Reconstruction
Existing footway sections were excavated and reconstructed using new sub-base and asphalt surfacing materials to provide a durable and accessible pedestrian route. Works were completed in carefully phased sections to maintain property and business access at all times along Church Road.
03
No-Dig Construction within RPA Areas
Within the RPA sections, specialist no-dig construction methods were adopted alongside timber edging restraints to avoid intrusive excavation and protect existing tree root systems. Timber edging provided a flexible and low-impact edge restraint solution suitable for environmentally sensitive areas while maintaining structural integrity of the reconstructed footway.
04
Surface Water Drainage Improvements
Surface water drainage improvements included swale and ditch clearance, vegetation removal, and reprofiling works to restore drainage performance and reduce the risk of localised flooding.
05
Social Value & Community Engagement
Close consultation was maintained with residents, stakeholders, and local businesses throughout the project, including coordination with the local pub to maintain customer access. As part of the project’s social value commitments, resurfacing works were also completed within the pub car park, providing a lasting benefit to the local community.
06
Environmental & Quality Compliance
All works were carried out in accordance with environmental best practice and local authority specifications. Close coordination between site teams, engineers, residents, local stakeholders, and environmental representatives ensured compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and access requirements throughout the project.
Outcomes
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Church Road received upgraded and durable asphalt footways, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.
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Specialist no-dig construction techniques and timber edging restraints successfully protected sensitive tree root systems within RPA zones.
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Swale and ditch clearance works improved drainage performance and reduced the risk of localised flooding.
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Resident and business access was maintained throughout the project through phased works and carefully planned traffic management arrangements.
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Restricted and out-of-hours working enabled works to progress safely while minimising disruption to school operations and local bus services.
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Close stakeholder engagement ensured positive communication with residents and local businesses throughout the programme.
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Social value initiatives, including resurfacing of the local pub car park, delivered additional community benefits beyond the core scope of works.
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Works were completed safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to residents and road users.
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Effective planning and environmental controls ensured full compliance with arboricultural and highway requirements.