New Pedestrian Access Gate & footway
Project Overview
Civils and Environmental Ltd were appointed to undertake the installation of a secure pedestrian access gate and integrated electronic access control system.
The project combined civil groundworks, reinforced concrete construction, steel gate installation, and advanced access control integration near a live substation environment. Due to proximity to electrical infrastructure, all excavation works were carefully controlled and hand-dug where required.
This scheme was designed to improve perimeter security, safe pedestrian access, and controlled entry management within an operational industrial site.
Site Assessment & Pre-Construction Planning
Prior to mobilisation, a detailed site assessment and risk review were undertaken. Key site considerations included:
Vehicle and pedestrian interface risks
Proximity to electrical substation infrastructure
Restricted digging zones
Requirement for CAT scanning during works
Controlled site sign-in and induction procedures
Given the location near live electrical equipment, all excavation works were planned as hand-dig operations to mitigate risk of striking buried services.
The team developed a method statement and sequencing programme to ensure works could be completed safely and efficiently with minimal operational disruption.
Phase 1: Civil Engineering & Groundworks
Concrete Pad & Sub-Base Construction
To accommodate the new gate structure, Civils and Environmental constructed:
A 3.5m x 1.5m reinforced concrete pad (150mm thick)
Installed over 200mm of MOT Type 1 compacted sub-base
Designed to provide long-term load-bearing stability
Finished to level tolerance suitable for secure gate operation
The reinforced pad ensures resistance to cracking, settlement, and vibration from nearby vehicle movements.
Apollo 868 Gate Installation
A 3m x 1.2m Apollo 868 single-leaf dig-in mesh gate was installed, providing:
Secure steel perimeter access
Dig-in mesh design to prevent ground-level breach
Durable galvanised finish for corrosion resistance
Posts were securely concreted into position, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with industrial perimeter security standards.
Access Steps Installation
A 1.2-metre-wide concrete step arrangement was constructed to allow safe pedestrian access up to the newly formed pad, ensuring:
✔ Safe level transition
✔ Improved access usability
✔ Compliance with safe access principles
Steel Trunking Installation
To facilitate cable routing, 7 metres of Salamandre 50mm x 50mm galvanised steel trunking were installed along the existing fence line. This trunking connected into underground ducting leading to the site power supply, ensuring:
Protected cable containment
Weather resistance
Mechanical protection in industrial conditions
Phase 2: Electronic Access Control Installation
The project included full integration of an access control system to manage pedestrian entry.
System Design Proposal (SDP)
The system comprised:
Salto access reader installed externally on the new pedestrian gate
External-grade Request to Exit (RTE) button
Green external Break Glass Unit (BGU)
S500 external-grade enclosed gate maglock with brackets
This configuration delivers controlled access from both secure and non-secure sides while complying with safety and emergency egress requirements.
Access Control Installation Methodology
Control Panels
Mounted on structurally sound internal surfaces
Installed at secure, serviceable height
Cabling routed via trunking or concealed containment
Mains power connected in approved terminations
Break Glass Unit (BGU) & Request to Exit (RTE)
Installed at approximately 1.2m height
Positioned to comply as closely as possible with DDA accessibility principles
Flush cabling through walls where feasible
Salto Reader
Installed at approx. 1.2m height for accessibility
Cabling concealed where possible
Secure termination within junctions on the protected side
Maglock Installation
Installed using L or I brackets as required
Secure mechanical fixing to structural frame
Armature plate mounted to gate leaf
Cabling concealed internally or protected in conduit
This structured installation approach ensures system durability, operational reliability, and compliance with controlled-access best practice.
Operational & Safety Management
Working Hours & Programming
Works were planned to allow flexibility between 06:00 – 20:00 to minimise risk and operational disruption. Where possible, higher-risk activities were scheduled outside normal working hours.
A post-installation “bedding-in period” was allowed for final system adjustments and user calibration.
PPE & Safety Controls
Engineers were equipped with:
Safety boots (midsole protection)
Hard hats
Safety glasses
Rigger gloves
Respiratory dust masks
Strict adherence to site safety and controlled excavation protocols was maintained throughout.
Outcome & Client Benefits
✔ Secure pedestrian access point installed
✔ Reinforced concrete pad providing long-term structural integrity
✔ Integrated Salto-controlled electronic access system
✔ DDA-conscious hardware positioning
✔ Secure maglock and emergency release functionality
✔ Safe completion in proximity to substation
