1. Background
Following the recent submission of the Business Case for NGT, the main focus for the project now turns to the preparation of the design details and plans required for the next stage of the scheme, ie. the application for the Transport and Works Order and associated Planning and Highways consents.
In order to provide a sound and accurate basis for this submission, it will be necessary to carry out preliminary ground investigation works along certain sections of the proposed route.
2. What do the preliminary ground investigation works involve?
As the name suggests, the work will involve the digging of trial pits and formation of boreholes at specific locations along the route by the projects appointed Contractor, Norwest Holst, under the supervision of the scheme's engineering advisors Mott MacDonald Limited.
The Contractors will be using JCBs and mobile drilling and rigs commonly used by major developments prior to actual construction.
During the works they will be taking soil samples and cores of rock for laboratory analysis and testing in order to determine; suitable foundations for the proposed structures and how well the ground can absorb additional water run-off.
3. What is the purpose of this ground investigation work?
This preliminary investigation needs to be carried out in order to confirm the ground conditions that will be encountered during construction of the route.
A large amount of data and information has already been collected from desk studies of the route, but in specific locations it will be necessary to carry out further work on site to establish:
• the details of underlying rock strata
• whether it has been subject to any significant disturbance by historical land use activities
• whether it has become contaminated from previous uses
• whether it is capable of absorbing any additional drainage requirement resulting from NGT
The information to be obtained from this ground investigation is a key input to the design and plans required for the application. This must be based on accurate information and assumptions particularly given the varying cost implications of the different types of ground conditions that will be encountered.
4. When will this work be carried out?
In order to minimise any inconvenience or disturbance that, might arise and in accordance with the schedule of works agreed with the Highway Authority and private landowners, it is proposed to carry out this essential ground investigation work in 2 phases. Phase 1 will be carried out between 7 and 18 December. Details of Phase 2 will be displayed on this website in the New Year.
5. Where will work be carried out?
The sites to be subject to this ground investigation are all located alongside or on the proposed route of the NGT network. Work will be starting on:
- Wood Lane / Shire Oak Road (North Line) on 7 December;
- Hunslet Road (South Line) on 7 December; and
- Burmantofts Street (East Line) on 13 December.
The majority of sites are located in the highway verge or on existing open space along the route, so will involve little or no disturbance to existing businesses, residents or road users.
The schedule of sites, the order of investigation, and how they will be accessed have all been agreed following full consultation with the Leeds City Council acting in its capacity as Highway Authority.
For the small number of boreholes / trial pits that are required to be dug on private land, individual notifications and agreements have been made with the specific landowners involved.
For further details please contact:
Francis Linley – LCC NGT Co-ordinator
Tel: 0113 348 1704
francis.linley@wypte.gov.uk
Or
Nicola Best - Chartered Geologist
Tel: 0113 394 3552
Mott MacDonald
