February 2024

Construction Update

Works on the project have been steady through January and February despite some notable days of heavy rainfall/storm events. Our target to have the remaining areas of the DEAR mainline ready for surfacing works commencing 19th February have been met. The site has experienced disruption in efficiencies due to Avant Homes Contractor taking position of the DEAR mainline from CH0-120. All access for workforce and all deliveries has been through the North Access gate only since 8th January resulting in increased traffic flows through the Northern section of the project. Despite this the Contractor is mitigating any potential critical project delays by working Saturdays on specific targeted operations to remain on programme.

Public Utilities

All utility diversions/protection measures are now fully completed site wide

Progress Updates

North Section

• DEAR mainline roadside drainage works completed including additional drainage elements to be tied into existing pond adjacent My Dub Road.
• Site clearance works of existing trees/scrub undertaken week commencing 15th January including two days of online working on the A883 to fell trees overhanging the carriageway.
• Soil stripping works and green waste removal (tree stumps etc) commenced WB 5th February
• Mass earthworks commenced on 8th February, to date approx. 2000m3 of excavated sub soils have been temporarily stockpiled within the basin area.    ◦
• Soil reinstatements to new basin area commenced 22nd February.
• Footpaths have been constructed to type 1 level from, footpath kerbing works commenced 19th February and due for completion early March
• CKD unit installation CH 1080-1150 due for completion by 23rd February
• Final grading of above section planned for Saturday 24th Februar

Central Section

• Remaining roadside kerbing fully installed
• Type 1 laid and graded to correct level/dip.
• LWD testing completed and specification criteria achieved.
• Street lighting and SPEN duct DEAR road crossing ducts installed.
• Footpath construction to type 1 completed CH 850-700
• Infill of box culvert/Otter pass area with 6N ongoing.
• Accommodation works access bell mouth completed ready for surfacing.
• All drainage gullies installed and tied into road side network.
• New SUDs pond inlet drainage connected to DEAR mainline drainage.
• Final trimming of pond batters ongoing however is particularly weather susceptible due to 2C material.
• Surfacing of road to binder of this section to commence 22nd February.
• Approx 1000m3 of site won class 2 material has been locally shaped within the red line boundary of the scheme between CH 700-850

South Section

• DEAR road kerbing completed to CH 500 including roundabout.
• Roadside gullies and covers fully installed through this section and connections to roadside drainage network completed.
• Footpaths excavated to formation CH 120-500.
• Final grading of type 1 completed and dipped.
• LWD testing completed and specification criteria achieved.
• Street lighting and SPEN duct DEAR road crossing ducts installed.
• Surfacing of this section commenced on 19th Feb and due for completion by 1st March

Works programmed for March 24

North Section

• Continue with earthworks re profiling within Northern SUDS basin adjacent My Dub Road.
• Surfacing to binder CH 1080-1150.
• Final grading of footpaths ready for surfacing.
• Pedestrian guardrails install at bus stops at Denny High School
• S/L duct install.
• S/L column install.
• Sign base install.

Central Section

• Surface section to binder level.
• Complete footpath to Type 1 level.
• Install footpath kerning.
• Install SPEN duct route.
• Final shaping of SUDs pond.
• Reinstatement of cut slopes and verges.
• Install signage bases.
• VRS install to culvert and Otter pass location (18th March)

South Section

• Complete surfacing to binder.
• Install SPEN duct route.
• Install S/L ducts.
• Construct signage bases.
• Kerbing to footpaths.
• Grading of footpaths.
• Soil reinstatement to verges and cut slopes.
• Footpath kerbing

Community Benefits

Recruitment

RJ McLeod has live job adverts with Falkirk Council for Civil Engineering Graduates and General Operatives.

Three new Operatives have been employed by RJ McLeod on a permanent full time basis following consultation with FC Employment and Training Unit. Two of the three operatives are currently working on this project with the 3rd working at one of our other sites.

Training

Educational Outreach

• School visits kicked off with a whole school assembly at Denny Primary booked on 4th October. Followed by a civil engineering careers event with Primary 6, also Denny Primary.
• RJ McLeod’s CSR Manager met with Young Workforce Coordinator at Denny High School.  Various engagement is being discussed starting with us delivering the RJ McLeod Civils Master Class – awaiting a date from the school.
• RJ McLeod has committed to providing CSCS Card at School Training for pupils of Denny High School, this will involve a class of up to 10 pupils with National Insurance cards being given approx. 6 Nr 1 hour training sessions to give the pupils the knowledge to obtain their CSCS qualification. RJ McLeod will support the pupils by providing the targeted training and paying the CSCS test fees along with supplying them with training books tailored for the tests.

Supply Chain Development

• The site is working with local SMEs, Social Enterprises, Supported/Third Sector Businesses who got in touch from our “Meet the Contractor” at Denny Eastern Approach Road. Attended by Allan Donnelly from DEAR site, plus our Submissions Manager, Ewan Easton, who explained our tendering processes, and our CSR Manager and Sustainability Coordinator to assist with on-boarding.
• DEAR is already supporting two social enterprises by purchasing site signage from Scotland’s Bravest and handwash/sanitiser from MyGo.

Community

• A payment of £1,000 has been made to Strathcarron Hospice on top of the £800+ raised from an RJ McLeod staff member’s 10K run.
• RJ McLeod Sustainability Coordinator, is launching an environmental awareness poster competition.  Possible topic – littering.