With increasing focus on improving the public transport system in Ireland, construction output will continue to rise to meet this need. To ensure projects such as Dart+, MetroLink and Project 2040 are completed safely and efficiently, contractors need to be working with experienced temporary works professionals. WAYNE FISHER, International Business Development Director at MH International, explores this further.
The transport sector can present a variety of challenges to contractors, whether carrying out everyday maintenance or major infrastructure refurbishments. At the forefront is the need for safety. Highways and railways can be complex projects to work on, with disruptions to travel needing to be carefully managed and the safety of site teams absolutely critical.
MH International
With projects often having rigid time constraints and pre-agreed possession windows, which aren’t always the same as the work window, speed is also crucial. As a result, it’s vital that any equipment required for maintenance or upgrade works is deployed promptly, is right first time and then able to be removed quickly.
Engaging Early
Often described as enabling works, temporary works are needed to facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of the permanent. Despite this, they can still often be seen as an ‘add-on’, brought in at a later stage of a project.
As an experienced temporary works specialist, MH International regularly sees the value of early communication, where temporary works are considered at an earlier stage of the project sequence. This approach is especially important within the transport sector. While not always possible on reactive and emergency projects, for planned maintenance and upgrades, it can be invaluable. When
you have time to discuss, explore and collaborate, the end-result is always far better for everyone.
Speed and Safety
Lightweight shoring is one of our most commonly used pieces of temporary works equipment for the rail sector and, as with any groundworks project, is essential to make the trench safe for site teams to access. As its name suggests, lightweight shoring equipment is easy to handle, manoeuvre and install, aiding with speed and efficiency. Most solutions can be installed either by hand or by RRVs, negating the need for large plant machinery. This is essential, as getting large equipment trackside can be a challenge, especially when you consider that some aspects of the rail network run through rural and remote parts of the country.
For highways projects, temporary bridging is a popular solution, keeping traffic moving that may be diverted away from major worksites, helping to manage disruption. Given the remote nature of some infrastructure, temporary bridging can also be invaluable in facilitating safe access to rural locations for vehicles, materials and plant.
Available in a variety of pedestrian and vehicular formats, these modular solutions can be designed and built bespoke to suit the individual project requirements.
MH International
At MH International, we are a trusted temporary works partner. We’re committed to product innovation, regularly improving and expanding our product portfolio, including lightweight shoring and temporary bridging equipment. Our experienced engineering team uses the latest digital technology and BIM modelling to create accurate designs that are constructible in the 3D environment before you reach site.
Plus, our new Ireland depot (located in Portlaoise) and dedicated Irish support team makes it even easier to benefit from our high-quality service.
For more information, visit https://mh.international/