January 2024

Progress Report January 2024

Progress on the DEAR project moved at pace in the final weeks on the run in to the winter break. Another section of the mainline was surfaced to binder level week beginning December 4. The Central Section culvert and Otter pass infrastructure works have been completed and the scour protection bag work walls increased to the 1:200 year storm level. The South section has progressed well with completion of remaining mainline drainage works and kerbing and gulley installation nearing completion.

Public Utilities

Permanent Scottish Water protection works undertaken December 2023 and are now concluded. Scottish Water visited the site on December 4 to witness works being undertaken.

North Section bold

• DEAR mainline roadside drainage works completed.
• Additional Drainage + Northern SUDS Pond Works.
• New 1500 diametre flow control chamber installed week beginning January 8. Flows now redirected around DHS roundabout.
• Additional drainage runs installed.

Site clearance works and roundabout verge widening works completed WB January 15.

Installation of new pond outfall drainage line commenced Monday January and line is due for completion by end of the week including eight service crossings.

Offline North SUDS basin site clearance works completed by January 12, note two  days of on line works adjacent to A883 required to remove trees overhanging A883 carriageway.

Ongoing maintenance of unbound section of DEAR main line between.

• Main line section surfaced to binder level from week beginning December 4.
• Footpath excavation to formation level complete in North Section.

 Central Section

• Permanent SW Main protection works @ CH600 completed.
• Otter pass and headwalls installed.
• Little Denny Culvert works completed including increasing scour protection bag work to 1:200 year storm level.
• DEAR Mainline capped and 1^st pass of type 1 completed.
• Kerbs laid and completed.
• New SUDS pond inlet and outlet drainage systems installed.
• Final trimming of pond batters undertaken week beginning January 15.
• Roadside drainage to be completed week commencing January 22

 South Section

• Section road kerbing completed including roundabout.
• Road side gullies and covers installed in the section
• Footpaths excavated to formation.

February 2024 Programme

North Section

• Continue with additional drainage works.
• Installation of remaining units at school bus stops.
• Final grading of Type 1
• Footpath kerbing and street lighting duct installations.
• Commencement of earthworks to existing Northern SUDS basin 

Central Section

• Complete remaining roadside kerbing works.
• Final grade of type 1.
• Form pond batters to finished profile.
• Pond lining.
• Pond back fill.
• Surfacing of road to binder level.
• Form footways to formation.

South Section

• Complete kerbing installation.
• Final grade of type 1.
• Surfacing of road to binder level.
• SPEN duct install + Street lighting duct install
• 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. 2 of the 3 operatives are currently working on this project with the 3^rd working at one of our SPEN sites.

Training

• School visits kicked off with a whole school assembly at Denny Primary booked on 4^th October. Followed by a civil engineering careers event with Primary 6, also Denny Primary.
• RJ McLeod met with Positive Pathways Teacher & Developing the 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.
• Date to be agreed for the STEM Careers Inspiration for Girls

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.
• 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
• RJ McLeod’s Sustainability Coordinator, is launching an environmental awareness poster competition.  Possible topic – littering.