Ruttle Contracting was appointed by Eric Wright Civil Engineering to undertake essential earthworks for the Salford Rise project, a key component of the £2.5 billion Crescent Salford masterplan. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between the University of Salford and the Crescent Innovation Zone by constructing a 220-metre-long, 11-metre-wide elevated walkway over Frederick Road, promoting active travel and community engagement .
The site, previously a brownfield area comprising an existing car park and road, required comprehensive remediation. Ruttle’s team excavated to formation levels as per the temporary works design, ensuring a stable foundation for the upcoming bridge structure. The car park’s hardstanding was removed and processed; the material was crushed and tested for chemical suitability and grading before being reused as fill material for areas requiring level adjustments. This approach not only reduced waste but also adhered to sustainable construction practices.
To prepare for the piling mat, Ruttle compacted and rolled the recycled material, conducting CBR tests to confirm its adequacy for supporting the temporary works. Recognizing the sensitivity of the surrounding environment, smaller rollers were employed during compaction to minimize vibrations and disturbances. The piling mat was precisely engineered to meet the temporary works design specifications, ensuring structural integrity and alignment with the project’s objectives.
This project underscores Ruttle Contracting’s expertise in delivering complex earthworks solutions, contributing to the development of sustainable and accessible infrastructure in Salford.
