Island Construction & Duct Installation

Project Overview

Civils and Environmental Ltd were appointed to deliver the construction of a new security island and underground duct installation.

The works were programmed across two consecutive weekends to minimise disruption to the operational car park and maintain barrier functionality during the working week.

The project involved:

• CAT scanning and controlled hand excavation

• Installation of new ducting to serve a relocated card reader

• Construction of a reinforced concrete island base

• Kerbing installation and block paving reinstatement

• Thermoplastic road markings and final finishing works

The scheme required careful sequencing to ensure the electrician could reconnect the access reader by Sunday lunchtime, reducing downtime to site operations.

Phase 1: Pre-Start & Enabling Works (Friday)

Prior to ground disturbance, the team undertook:

CAT Scan & Service Identification

• Cable avoidance tool (CAT) scanning of the work area

• Marking out of underground services

• Identification of safe hand-dig zones (first 150mm excavated by hand)

This ensured safe excavation in a live commercial car park environment.

Deliveries were coordinated and received in preparation for weekend mobilisation.

Phase 2: Weekend 1 – Duct Installation & Island Base Construction

Saturday Works

Traffic & Site Control

• Barriered off the front of the car park

• Established safe segregation zones

• Installed cones and signage

Duct Installation

• Cutting of existing surfacing using a Stihl saw

• Breaking out with hand breakers

• Controlled hand excavation

• Installation of new ducting from existing reader position to new island location

This provides protected infrastructure for the relocated security access reader system.

Blockwork Removal

Existing block paving was removed (assumed sand bed installation).
Note: If blockwork had been found embedded in concrete, additional labour and materials would have been required (identified within exclusions).

Concrete Pad Installation

• Excavation to required formation

• Preparation of sub-base

• Installation of C40 readymix concrete for enhanced strength and durability

• Formation of structural base for new security island

Kerbing Installation

• New kerbs installed, prioritising the reader area

• Alignment completed to allow infrastructure positioning

Sunday Works (Weekend 1)

• Continuation and completion of ducting and concrete works

• Target completion of concrete pad prior to Sunday lunchtime

• Coordination with electrician for reconnection of access reader

Upon completion:

• Barriers removed

• Cones and barrier tape left in place

• Work area safely cordoned while maintaining operational vehicle barrier access during the week

This phased approach ensured minimal operational downtime for the client.

Phase 3: Weekend 2 – Final Reinstatement & Markings

Saturday (Completion of Island & Reinstatement)

• Completion of security island structure

• Reinstatement of surrounding block paving

• Reinstatement of adjacent cycleway

• Site cleaned and prepared for surface markings

Surface preparation is critical prior to thermoplastic application to ensure adhesion and long-term durability.

Sunday (Line Marking & Finishing Works)

Thermoplastic Road Markings

• Surface primed where required

• Gas torch application of thermoplastic banding

• Installation of hatching and/or symbols

Thermoplastic markings were selected for:

✔ High visibility
✔ Long lifespan
✔ Abrasion resistance
✔ Suitability for commercial car parks

Installation of New Post

• Installation into designated soil area

• Secured and aligned to specification

Engineering & Material Specification

• Hand-dig excavation (first 150mm)

• Stihl saw surface cutting

• Hand breaker removal

• C40 readymix structural concrete

• New kerbing installation

• Underground ducting installation

• Block paving reinstatement

• Thermoplastic line marking system

Exclusions Clarified

The following items were excluded from the agreed scope:

• Additional labour/materials if block paving was found embedded in concrete

• Removal or amendment of existing barriers

• Supply of specified post

These exclusions ensure transparent scope control and cost clarity.

Operational Benefits

✔ Safe underground service installation
✔ New structural security island base
✔ Minimal disruption through phased weekend working
✔ Durable C40 concrete installation
✔ Professional thermoplastic road markings
✔ Coordinated works enabling prompt reconnection of security systems