Road Closure and Traffic Management
Due to the culvert’s location beneath a main road, conducting the inspection and repairs required us to implement a full road closure to ensure the safety of our team and the public. Clear diversion signs were set up, redirecting traffic smoothly and minimizing disruption. This careful planning of the road closure allowed us to work without interference, ensuring a safer and more efficient repair process.
Excavating and Exposing the Culvert
Once traffic was redirected, we began the excavation. By carefully digging through the road surface, we were able to expose the stone culvert for inspection. This excavation process was managed with precision to avoid damaging the culvert’s structure, which was vital in maintaining the integrity of the surrounding drainage network. After reaching the culvert, we were able to identify and address specific areas where blockages and structural wear were causing issues.
Repairs and Restoration
The inspection revealed debris buildup and some structural deterioration, both of which contributed to the obstruction causing the manhole to back up. We cleared the debris and repaired the culvert as needed, restoring its ability to manage water flow effectively. Once repairs were completed, we filled the excavation site with high-quality materials to stabilize the area before resurfacing it. The resurfaced road not only restored functionality but also ensured a smooth finish, reducing the likelihood of future wear or erosion in the affected area.
Outcomes and Client Impact
The culvert repair was successful in preventing further flooding, with drainage now functioning efficiently. With the obstruction cleared, water flow was restored, eliminating the risk of water backing up into the manhole and flooding nearby cottages. Our approach minimized disruption to the public while addressing a critical infrastructure issue that had been impacting local residents.
In summary, this project illustrates the importance of precise excavation, thorough inspection, and effective repair strategies in maintaining essential drainage systems. By resolving the blockage in the culvert, we were able to eliminate flooding risks for Wedmore residents and restore the road surface to a safe, stable condition. The project was completed safely, efficiently, and with a lasting impact on local drainage management, demonstrating the value of proactive infrastructure maintenance in preventing larger issues for communities.