Project Blue, Avonmouth

"A distribution park billed as the biggest in the South West is to be built on Severnside after a new deal was signed between landowners and a property group. An initial 85 acres will be developed on land to the west of the M49 between Avonmouth and Severn Beach. But landowner Severnside Distribution Land Ltd (SDLL), which has set up its joint venture with Goodman, expects to release further phases totaling about 600 acres".
(Evening Post Online, 2010)

Phase 1 & 2

As detailed above the expansion of this area is extensive. With such a scale of expansion the proposed development has been scheduled into phases; Phase 1 & 2 namely 'Project Blue' was duly awarded to Dyer & Butler Ltd. After completion of the tender process, McCarthy's were awarded the role of Principal Sub Contractor.

Phase 1 consists of significant site clearance works, construction of 0.6 km of embankment and carriageway with associated wick drainage, storm water drainage, culverts and underpinning works to 125m of high pressure oil pipeline. Phase 2 includes 1.4 km of Rhine filling, construction of 0.6 km of embankment and carriageway with associated wick drainage, storm water drainage, 35m diameter roundabout and a 10m clear span bridge.

McCarthy's Role

McCarthy's are the main earthworks contractor on site with itemised work consisting of the following:

• Existing Rhine preparation and filling
• Full embankment construction
• Construction of new Rhine's adjacent to the new embankment
• Road formation and base material up to underside of Tarmac level
• Topsoil reinstatement to batters and plateau of embankment

McCarthy's have utilised a variety of their own Plant, equipment and resources to carry out the works including; 21 & 32 tonne excavators, D6 & D4 Bulldozers, A25 & A30 Dumpers and ride on compaction equipment.

This equipment has been combined to place and compact in excess of 4,000 tonne of fill material into the new embankment on a daily basis. In addition to this 1km of new Rhines will be constructed, and 1.5km of existing Rhines will be prepared and backfilled as required.