November 2023

Construction update 

The project has faced more unsettled weather through the month of October, there have been two MET office named storm events (Storm Agnes and Storm Babette) and a period of sustained heavy rainfall of more than 100mm in 24 hours over the weekend of 6th -7th October which led to localised flooding of the culvert area of the project.

Despite these challenges the site has made steady progress through the last month. Bulk earthworks in the southern section of the site have been completed with the roundabout area reaching completed formation level on 25th October.

Little Denny Burn culvert has been installed, the waterproofing and sand carpet protection installed, and a road formed over the top of the new culvert opening up the site for embankment construction. Works have progressed well with the last remaining section of the DEAR road achieving formation level on 30th October.

Community Benefits Update

Recruitment

• Main contractor RJ McLeod has live job adverts with Falkirk Council for Civil Engineering Graduates and General Operatives.
• Three of four Modern Apprentices currently employed by the Council have now been offered permanent jobs with RJ McLeod.

Training and 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.
• Meeting between the contractor and Developing the Young Workforce have been held to discuss how the project can best engage with the workforce of the future to highlight careers in construction and engineering
• A STEM Careers Inspiration for Girls session is planned for Denny High School

Supply Chain Development

• The project is now actively engaged with local SMEs, Social Enterprises and Third Sector Businesses who attended the “Meet the Contractor” at Denny Eastern Approach Road.
• The project is already supporting two local social enterprises by purchasing site signage from Scotland’s Bravest and handwash/sanitiser from MyGo.

Community

• RJ McLeod’s Sustainability Coordinator, is launching an environmental awareness poster competition with the local Primary School.