GB2 Barriers & Fencing – Redcar Highstreet Redevelopment

Project Overview

SafeSite Facilities was tasked with providing a secure perimeter solution for the footpath pavement replacement project in the busy urban area of the High Street in Redcar on the Yorkshire coast. The project was undertaken to improve public infrastructure while ensuring minimal disruption to the high volume of foot traffic and maintaining safety for both pedestrians and workers.

Objectives

The primary goals of the installation were to:

• Secure the worksite to protect both pedestrians and workers.
• Prevent unauthorised access to the construction zone.
• Maintain pedestrian access around the site, ensuring minimal disruption to local businesses and foot traffic.
• Provide a highly visible, stable barrier solution to safeguard the public and workforce.
• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety regulations, including proper demarcation of pedestrian routes.
• Keep the project on schedule, mitigating delays caused by unforeseen issues, such as weather conditions.

Site Conditions

Located in a busy area with a mix of retail shops, cafes, and offices, the site had a high volume of pedestrian traffic. There were also residential apartments, public transport stops, and busy intersections nearby, making safety and clear signage crucial. The challenge was to secure the worksite without causing significant disruption to daily activities in this bustling area.

Solution:

To meet the safety and logistical demands of the project, SafeSite Facilities provided GB2 water-filled barriers, featuring secure mesh panels. These barriers offered both visibility and stability while ensuring the safety of workers and pedestrians.

• Barrier Dimensions: 2m (H) x 1m (L) x 0.6m (W)
• Weight: 60kg (empty); 200kg (filled with water)
• Material: UV-resistant, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ensuring durability and resistance to environmental elements.
• Mesh Panels: White hoarding mesh (2m x 1m) mounted securely to prevent climbing, tampering, and improve visibility.
• Water-Fill Mechanism: Easy-fill caps for quick onsite filling and emptying, allowing for efficient transport and setup.
• Pedestrian & Worker Gates: Temporary gates with lockable mechanisms during non-working hours.
• Colour: Red and White for high visibility.

Project Timeline

We met very strict timelines to meet with our clients’ expectations:

Day 1: Survey the site, lay out the initial barrier placements along the footpath.

Day 2: Final check on barrier distances from shops and offices, water levels, and safety equipment; fill barriers with water, secure mesh panels, and install reflective warning signage.

Day 3: Final walkaround with the client to check all barriers and clear the site of any leftover materials or rubbish.

Challenges & Solutions

During the installation, several challenges arose, but with careful planning and quick adaptation, these were effectively mitigated:

• High Pedestrian Foot Traffic: Clear directional signage was added to guide pedestrians safely around the construction site, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Unpredictable Weather: In response to strong winds and rain, the barriers were stabilized with pin posts, ensuring they remained secure despite changing weather conditions.
• Restricted Space for Barrier Placement: Fewer barriers were used but strategically placed to create a safe and efficient layout, ensuring that pedestrian routes were clearly marked, and the work zone was securely demarcated.

Conclusion

The GB2 water-filled barriers with mesh panels proved to be an ideal solution for the footpath pavement replacement project in Redcar. The barriers offered a secure, adaptable, and highly visible system that met both safety requirements and logistical constraints. The project was completed on schedule, with minimal disruption to pedestrian traffic, while ensuring the work area remained secure and fully compliant with Health and Safety regulations. This successful installation was featured on BBC Regional News for the North East and Cumbria, highlighting the importance of public safety and infrastructure improvements in busy urban areas.