Dan Rose on the Roundabout 8th Edition 23/09/2024
Hello everyone,
Winter this morning appears well and truly on the way and perhaps due to recent events on site this reflects the mood of the last couple of weeks.
Some of you will already be aware that we were victim to a theft from our site compound on Friday 13th September of all days. Fortunately, only diesel was stolen, but of course this has a real ripple affect through the whole site team. The police are on board and luckily, we do have CCTV footage of the culprits getting away with some of the diesel, so hopefully the police will be able to find those responsible. If anyone did see anything suspicious on the morning of the 13th around 04:15 – please either get in touch with me or Sussex police, crime reference number is 0153.
As far as the works go, the news is more positive, despite the events in the compound, the lads have been diligently cracking on with the task at hand, and I am happy to report that there has been no slippage in the programme thus far. We are now working in ‘Zone A’ which is the arm of the roundabout at the location of West Street and Avenue De Chartres following on from the completion of the bulk of the work on the new Zebra crossing on Ave De Chartres.
Works completed in the last period, other than the aforementioned include:
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Demolition of all kerbs which are being replaced in Zone A.
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Removal of the vegetation from Zona A which interferes with the new layout.
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Removal of 2no street light columns, which are to be replaced with new later on in the project.
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Reduce dig under MOLA watch and brief ready to commence with new road build up.
On other very positive news, upon commencing the reduce dig to build the widened section of road on West Street, we have unearthed the old West Street – Westgate road surface. This means that we will not have to excavate down to a depth of a meter as originally planned to rebuild the road. In the day and age of looking after the planet and being aware of our carbon footprint, the saving that is made on importing new material, and exporting waste material for this section is huge.
With the positive news of the road saving us some time and effort on one hand, this has however posed a new problem. Buried services from utility companies appear to have been laid directly on top of this old road surface, a lot shallower than regulations dictate. Thus far we have come across an Electric cable, gas pipe, and water pipes which we weren’t expecting to find at such a shallow depth. Fortunately, our groundworkers’ experience has paid dividends, and they have dug in those areas in such
a way that they did not hit the services. This could prove a small delay in the programme as we wait for the relevant utility providers to come and lower their services.
In the coming weeks, once we have completed in our current works area, we will be looking to up the ante slightly. Rather than just working in one zone on the periphery of the roundabout, we are exploring the possibility of moving into 2 zones concurrently. If all goes well, by the time of my next update, we could potentially be working on our Zone C and Zone E. These encompass the arms of the roundabout of Wall Cottage Drive and Orchard Street, and the junction of Westgate with Avenue De Chartres.
Further to this, BT openreach and City Fibre will likely be commencing some diversion works to their network to accommodate our build works. This will be taking place between Westgate and Orchard street.
Works may be getting more disruptive as a result of this I’m afraid. I apologise in advance for any disruption, however by working in this manner, hopefully we will be off of your doorstep quicker!
In lighter news, on Friday 13th, we played the Prebendal School PTA team in our second ever cricket fixture. The game was played in really good spirits with Prebendal edging the game by around 15 runs. A massive thank you to the school for again accommodating this. We will be looking to return the favour and get our own back this Tuesday 24th, where we will be playing a football match at Chichester College vs the same opponents!
As ever, my office door is always open should anyone wish to have a chat. My contact details are at the foot of this email if you have any queries or complaints regarding the works.
Warm regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
T: 07584 259 075
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Dan Rose on the Roundabout 7th Edition 09/09/2024
Hello everyone,
I hope this update finds everyone well and you have all managed to stay out of the biblical-like rain we have experienced at the back end of last week! Unfortunately, the nature of our works means that we were in the thick of it getting very soggy (at least our groundworkers were).
I must apologise for not posting the update last Monday as usual, I was on a much-needed break with the family last week, recharging the batteries getting ready to come back to work and ramp up on the works associated with the scheme.
As many of you will have seen, there have been a number of changes to the works over the last 3 weeks since my last update. Barring the installation of some signage, crossing beacons and final ‘topping’ surfacing, we have completed the works to the new zebra crossing on Avenue de Chartres – on the footpaths anyway. We currently reside in the central reservation of the road there, these works should be completed by close of play Wednesday 11/09/2024 and the traffic management from Avenue de Chartres removed for the time being until the final surfacing works are completed later in the project.
One piece of traffic management being removed means that a new phase is to be set up. As far as changes to the landscape of the operation of the roundabout and surrounding footpaths go, this is by far the most significant change thus far. Wednesday evening 11/09/2024, we will be implementing the first phase of our ‘zoned’ approach to the works on the periphery of the roundabout, constructing the new cycle lane, footpath and all other associated works. This will involve the installation of new drainage, relocating lamp posts, installing the infrastructure for new zebra crossings, and a very small portion of full depth carriageway construction. This area of the works is in the ‘danger zone’ when it comes to potential disturbance of the Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), so any digging deeper than a few hundred millimetres, will be under the watchful eye of the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA).
Zone A is confided to the quintlet of the roundabout at the junction of Avenue De Chartres and West Street. There will be a pedestrian diversion in place, meaning that anyone wishing to walk from either of the aforementioned roads into the other, will have to, unfortunately, take the long way around the roundabout. I apologise in advance for the inconvenience this causes and can sympathise that it is a pain in the rear end to have to do so. It is though, a very important aspect of the works and one which sadly can’t be avoided.
The traffic management plans for each zone of the roundabout are available to view on the Mildren construction WOC part of the website in the community section, I advise anyone with any queries about this phase to have a quick look at that, and please if there are further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Since my last update, we have also made good progress on the removal of the splitter islands on the arms of the roundabout. The removal of the Westgate, Orchard Street and Ave De Chartres islands has been complete and reinstated. We are currently working on the removal of the island on West Street. I am anticipating that this is reinstated by close of business on Wednesday 11/09/2024, ready to commence with the zoned works the day after.
In other news, should the rain ever cease, then we are playing a further cricket fixture on Friday 13th September on the Prebendal school field, this time against their Parent’s and Teacher’s association team. I invite anyone who would like to watch some properly hap-hazard cricket to come and join us for the evening. The first ball will be bowled at 17:30.
I would like to finish the update by thanking the members of the West Walls Residents association who were kind enough to invite me to the Chichester Inn for a drink last week (after work of course). It was a really good opportunity to catch up and discuss the works, as well as putting some names to faces. During this project, we have made great efforts to engage with all stakeholders, especially those who have our works on their doorstep. This effort and communication has more than been reciprocated by them, and I thank them for their support and understanding during our works.
Warm regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
T: 07584 259 075
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CRICKET NEWS!!
Mildren Cricket Team match report 20/08/2024
Mildren Construction’s West of Chichester project has its compound situated on the playing field of Prebendal School. Having developed an excellent working relationship with the school and its staff, the opportunity arose to use their wonderful facility for Mildren Construction’s first ever cricket match.
While slightly apprehensive before the first ball was bowled, due to having a largely inexperienced team, Mildren won the toss and decided to bowl first, sporting our very catching high vis polos, vs a vastly more experienced Fittleworth CC side. Fittleworth made a fast start, clocking up some quick runs, leading to their opening batsman retiring on 25* within the first 3 overs of play. However, with some tidy bowling from Simon French and Dan Russell, Mildren managed to slow the run rate, with Dan Russell breaking the deadlock in the 6th over, taking the wicket of Fittleworth’s no.3 batsman.
Fittleworth continued to score steadily in the following overs, the first change of bowling came in the 8th over where Zak Barber took the ball, playing in his first ever cricket match, and bowled his 3 over spell admirably, and was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to take a wicket.
The next breakthrough came via another cricketing newbie, Adam McClure with only his 3rd ever delivery bowled a tidy line and length, forcing the Fittleworth opening batsman into playing a high looping shot, which was expertly handled at mid-wicket by Zak Barber for Mildren’s 2nd wicket of the innings in the 11th over.
The next change of bowling saw Captain, Dan Rose come into the attack, having donned the wicket keeping gloves for the first 10 overs of the innings. In his 3 over spell, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs.
The final wicket of the innings came from the only player not to work for MCL but for a company who are part of our supply chain, Chris Sumner. The Fittleworth batsman attempted to pull a shorter delivery, only to find a top edge and loop it high up in the sky, the catch was taken at square leg by Dan Rose.
Mildren managed to keep Fittleworth’s total for their 20 overs down to 148 for 6, which is very respectable from both teams, and a good target for Mildren to try and beat.
The batting got off to a less than favourable start for Mildren, Dan Rose had succumbed to a 3rd ball duck having opened the batting. Dan Boorn and James Evans were in the middle and began to rack up some singles with some sensible batting. After a spirited performance in the middle, Dan Boorn was the next wicket to fall, bringing Rob Collins to the crease.
Rob and James put up a real fight and ran very quickly between the wickets and seemed to be putting on the first real partnership of the innings. Some tricky bowling from Fittleworth saw Rob Collins as the latest player to be dispatched from the crease, seeing Adam McClure come to the middle. After scoring a handful of runs, Adam was the next victim to Fittleworth’s wiley spin bowler.
Chris Sumner was next to do battle and steadied the Mildren ship along with James Evans, both accumulating a handful of runs before it was time for James to head back to the bench. For someone who hasn’t played Cricket since his school days, his performance with the bat was admirable and meant Mildren still had a chance in the game.
Zak Barber came in at 7, and unfortunately faced Fittleworth’s best bowler of the evening, getting out to only what can be described as a jaffa of a delivery with his first ball faced. Not a lot he could have done.
Dan Russell was next into bat, and between him and Chris Sumner, put on the biggest partnership of the Mildren innings, scoring over 40 runs between them. Dan Russell scored an impressive 24 runs with the bat, including a massive 6 and some very accomplished shots to find the boundary, before being given out LBW.
Colin Cann was the latest team member to face the Fittleworth attack, another member of the team who has never played the game before. Colin did well to get bat on ball and ran well between the wickets with Chris until he was out bowled.
Simon French then came to the crease to test his wits against the rampant Fittleworth attack and was very unlucky to be caught at extra cover, by a catch that can only be described as sensational, diving low to the players left.
Fittleworth were kind enough to allow Mildren to continue batting out the remainder of the 20 overs once all 10 wickets had been taken, a smattering of further runs was scored in the remaining 2 overs. With Chris Sumner finally receiving his marching orders for 34 runs – a fantastic effort.
Mildren Construction finished on 95 all out from their 20 overs – an excellent score for a team full of inexperience, but plenty of fight, we certainly did not make fools of ourselves, and the game was played in good spirits and was competitive throughout.
Mildren would like to extend their thanks to Fittleworth who proved gracious opponents, for what was a fantastic night of sport. We would also like to thank Prebendal school for allowing us to use their pitch, and to Martin, their facilities manager for using his contacts to put on a pop-up bar for the evening and a BBQ, which was enjoyed by all. He also prepared an outstanding surface for the game to be played on.
POTM for his performance with bat and in the field – James Evans
Mildren Team:
Dan Rose (C, WK)
Dan Boorn
James Evans
Rob Collins
Adam McClure
Chris Sumner
Zak Barber
Dan Russell (WK)
Colin Cann
Simon French
Dan Rose on the Roundabout 6th Edition 19/08/2024
Hello everyone,
Works on the Westgate roundabout scheme are progressing nicely, we are still reporting no time loss on the original completion date for early next year – which in this industry and given the challenges we have faced thus far, is a very good achievement. (Not like that I like to blow my own trumpet!)
You may have noticed that our presence on the roundabout itself has dwindled slightly over the last couple of weeks – this is purely because the roundabout itself is near enough finished, other than the addition of a little bit of concrete and tidying up!
We have moved on to our next phase of the works, which includes the installation of a new shared pedestrian / cycle Zebra crossing on Avenue De Chartres – opposite the entrance to the college.
The works for this include, creating a new shared cycle / pedestrian footpath by widening the current footpath for a short stretch. Installation of new electrical connections for 4 new belisha beacons. Relocating the live parking traffic sign 15 yards north of its current location. Installing new warning paving. Resurfacing the footpath, and the installation of new surface water drainage, including a new manhole.
As mentioned in my safety alert last week, we have unfortunately had to close the footpath and create a pedestrian diversion along the western footpath of Avenue De Chartres in order for us to complete our works on the eastern side of the road. I apologise for any disruption that this has caused. We have managed to maintain pedestrian access to the gravel footpath which runs parallel to the prebendal school from Ave De Chartres to South Street, and provided a very narrow access to the grass footpath which runs along the Roman Wall. We are currently working with our traffic management company on how we can better alter the current diversion to make it more friendly to those with disabilities who may struggle crossing by the roundabout at the bottom of Ave De Chartres due to the high traffic flow and the speed at which people take that turn.
I will reiterate the statement from the safety alert however, that it is imperative that people follow the diversion and do not attempt to walk in the carriageway around our barriers – it is a great risk to the people who choose to walk in the road because of the narrow lane and the traffic, but it also endangers our workforce, as vehicular users can be unpredictable and this could force them to drive in to our barriers. I thank you all for your patience thus far and to the vast majority of people who are adhering to the temporary diversions.
Unfortunately, there will be some further disruption in the coming weeks for pedestrians around the periphery of the roundabout. We will be removing the splitter islands commencing tomorrow that currently sit in situ. These are being relocated as a part of our works anyway, but doing this early, will allow wider running lanes for traffic, and will enable us to manoeuvre our traffic management to suit while we work on the outside arms of the roundabout, to allow us to keep all roads and arms open while we work. So please, while I appreciate that having to temporarily close pedestrian crossing points is an inconvenience, please bear with us, these works are essential to the scheme.
In other news, we have finally managed to secure a date for our Mildren Cricket match and it’s TOMORROW!!! We are playing against Fittleworth Cricket Club at the Prebendal School field, and we would love some support if anyone would like to come and watch some very haphazard cricket! There will also be a pop-up bar for the match, so if anyone would like to stop by for a sherbet, please be our guest!
Lastly, I would like to thank the patience of the local residents, and some of your kind words and correspondence of late. It certainly makes this job easier to run, when we know we have the backing of the local community.
Warm regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
T: 07584 259 075
Roundabout mini-update 07/08/2024
Hello everyone,
Very quick update regarding the works on the central roundabout.
We have now installed 95% of the Tarmac base and binder courses which is a big milestone achieved in the project.
I have emailed the local resident’s associations this morning regarding some works which are happening within close proximity of the tree in the centre island.
We have had to shift the line of the fencing protecting the tree in order to conduct our final shaping and landscaping works for the grass area behind the new kerbs. Without moving the fencing this works would be entirely impossible and we would have ended up with sheer banks behind the kerb stones which would look very unsightly.
I just wanted to ensure all stakeholders that the methodology we are following to conduct these works is all within our Arboricultural method statements that we are following to conduct these works safely without causing damage to the tree. Furthermore, we have worked closely with the tree team at West Sussex County council’s tree department, consulting them on how they would like the works to be conducted. Additionally, should we uncover any thing during these works which we believe is room for concern – example, a root greater in diameter than 1 inch – then we would seek consultation from a qualified ecologist whom we employ regularly to ensure that we are not doing anything which may cause damage to the tree.
I hope that this puts any questions to bed and minds at ease – should anyone wish to discuss further, please feel free to get in touch – my details are below.
Kind regards,
Dan Rose – Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
T: 07584259075
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
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Dan Rose on the Roundabout 5th Edition 05/08/2024
Hello everyone,
I write this update trying not to melt in my office from the persistent hot weather that we have been having over the course of the last week. It appears to have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous! Mind you, we aren’t British if we don’t complain about the weather, regardless of how nice it is!
The new roundabout footprint is now very nearly finished. At the time of writing this, we are installing the final few kerbs to form the roundabout. Other than laying kerbs, in the last 2 weeks we have also completed the installation of 6 new surface water gullys, around half of the sub-base stone is now installed, and we have installed new under ground ducting for 5 illuminated signs which will be installed in the next few weeks.
We are still currently on programme to complete works in early 2025 as planned. While we have experienced delays throughout the first phase of these works for various reasons, our excellent groundworkers have put in the hard work to mitigate the delay and keep us on target. I would like to thank them for their efforts, especially in the blazing heat this week – I will certainly be treating them to a drink in the Crate and Apple after work on Friday!
In the next week, there will be more big change happening in our current work zone. We will be installing the first 2 courses of Tarmac to create a running lane for later in the works when we complete the external works. We will also be tidying up the soft landscaped area in the centre of the roundabout. Further to this, we will be installing a concrete ring in between the two rings of kerbs. Come Friday 9th August – other than a few minor works and the final surface course – the works on the central island will be complete.
We will be moving on to different elements of the job after this. The splitter islands which currently sit in place on all the arms of the roundabout – other than Wall Cottage Drive / West Walls will be getting removed and tarmac in their place, this will allow again wider running lanes later on in the job. The removal of these is arduous and quite labour intensive, so could take a few weeks to complete.
Furthermore, we will be commencing with the installation of a new Zebra crossing and associated drainage and groundworks down Avenue De Chartres – by our compound. There will be a footpath closure in place for these works, starting with the eastern footpath, moving over to the western footpath after a couple of weeks. So please expect a small amount of disruption for this. We will have all the appropriate signage out to forewarn people of these. These works will commence on the 9th of August.
Away from our main works, last week we conducted a couple of trial holes on Westgate. These were dug to give us a better understanding of the condition of the road below the paving blocks. We were able to assess the condition of the existing drainage and road formation itself. We have had some tests conducted to determine the strength of the subbase and are currently awaiting the results back for these. We had an Ad-hoc meeting with the West Gate Resident’s Association on Thursday 1st April to discuss options for the works and hear some of their preference on the finished road and how it should be finished, which will be reported back to the client and local authorities and their comments have been duly noted. We also had the privilege of discussing these works with the Mayor of Chichester – Councillor Sarah Quail, who is an active member of the resident’s association. I would like to thank her, the RA’s secretary, Bebette and the other members in attendance for their time.
As always, the door to my office is always open should any one wish to pop in for a chat and my contact details are at the bottom of this update.
Warm regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
T: 07584 259 075
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Dan Rose on the Roundabout 4th Edition 22/07/2024
Hello everyone,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather which finally appears to be returning to Chichester, certainly the city seems to be the busiest I’ve seen recently since my time joining the project. Perhaps this could be the introduction of the large Owl statues which seemed to have invaded out of nowhere throughout Chi’, my young family and I certainly had a lot of fun hunting them all down at the weekend! Anyway, I digress…
The Roundabout project has had a busy couple of weeks, lots of tasks achieved, lots of unforeseen items in the ground but ultimately and importantly, no time lost to the end date.
Since the last update, we have completed the vast majority of the surface water drainage pipework. This includes tapping into the existing drainage network in a few locations, and utilizing a manhole which had been buried in the roundabout for goodness knows how long (It was still operational and connected to the network).
All the kerbs from the existing roundabout footprint have now been removed, and in the coming weeks, you will see the new roundabout footprint be constructed with 2 rings of kerbs. From my perspective, this is the first real milestone that will be achieved in the project, as we will be able to see a little of what the finished product will look like on the ground, and not just what we see on drawings.
There have been 2 significant finds in the roundabout – not archaeologically speaking, but in regard to the project. I illuded to a culvert drainage channel underneath the existing road being uncovered in my last update. In the last fortnight, this has been confirmed as redundant, dug out and filled in with concrete to remove the risk of the new road structures’ integrity being compromised once complete. Furthermore, we also came across a soakaway which is believed to be from the late 1800’s, which fortunately, was not in the new road, and was able to leave in situ, filling it with shingle to ensure no sinkage in the roundabout.
Although the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), watch and brief is now concluded, we still paid our due diligence in ensuring that an archaeologist came to site and inspected these items before removing, digging out or backfilling. I will attach images of both to this update.
The CCTV/ANPR camera which stood tall on the Southeast of the roundabout has now been removed after being decommissioned back at the beginning of June. This was proving to become a real thorn in our side and we are grateful to have been able to remove it safely and efficiently one evening under a very short duration road closure (It took about 5 minutes).
In other news, our engagement with the local community remains an ongoing endeavour of mine, and we had the chance on the 18th of July to conduct a live tracking exercise with Stagecoach at Tangmere military airfield. This involved setting out the new roundabout in its entirety with traffic cones, and allowing Stagecoach to complete a drive through exercise to ensure that the planned analysis of the busses’ turning circles was indeed correct. They expressed particular concerns prior to the exercise, of busses turning out of West Street into Avenue De Chartres as it appeared to be tight on the drawings. However, the exercise proved that this was possible to do safely. (I even managed to have a go driving the bus and completed the turn a few times myself – so it can’t be that difficult!)
We are currently undertaking fortnightly meetings with West Sussex County Council with a particular focus on communications and how we are engaging with the community surrounding the project. Thus far the feedback has been very positive, and I would like to thank our Mildren and WSCC teams on facilitating the communications and maintaining the attitude that local residents are the most valuable stakeholders in this project, as we are working right on your doorstep.
As always, the door to my office is always open should any one wish to pop in for a chat and my contact details are at the bottom of this update.
Warm regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
T: 07584 259 075
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Dan Rose on the Roundabout 3rd Edition 08/07/2024
Works are progressing nicely on the construction of the new Westgate Roundabout. Good progress has been made in the last fortnight and we are still currently on schedule to complete the works in early 2025 as planned.
Works complete in the last period:
- Reduce dig. Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), watch and brief is now complete. While there were numerous archaeological finds throughout the reduce dig of the roundabout. These were all recorded by MOLA and removed once properly plotted. There were no finds deemed to be of historical significance during the works.
- Commence with new surface water drainage. There is a new stormwater manhole which has now been constructed on the western side of the roundabout, ready to take the flow from new surface water gullies. We have conducted some investigation and cleaning works of the existing storm water drainage system, which we have utilised and connected in to.
- Removal of kerbs from the existing roundabout.
- Making safe a High Voltage cable which passes through the roundabout from East to West. This has been exposed carefully using vacuum excavation, backfilled around with sand and covered with tape to protect the cable from being damaged during our backfilling process and protect the longevity of the cable in situ.
- Install new capping material to 90% of the area which has been dug.
We have uncovered a significant amount of tarmac to the south side of the roundabout – believed to have been the road which connected Westgate and West Street prior to the construction of the existing roundabout in the 1960’s. In a bid to reduce the amount of waste which we have to send to landfill, and reduce the new material being imported in to site, it has been agreed that this tarmac may be re-used in the new road construction, as the make up of the old road is of strong enough construction to re-use. This will help reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the works greatly which is very good news!
Works in the next period include:
- Installation of all pipework for new surface water drainage.
- Installation of kerbs to the footprint of the new roundabout.
In other news – We have heard that the parents of Prebendal school are keen to participate in a cricket match against a Mildren Construction XI in the coming weeks. We will post an update on the website with details of the game, should anyone wish to watch the game and meet the team who work behind the scenes and make these works possible.
I would again like to thank everyone for their continued patience. We will continue to do all we can to minimise disruption and continue to communicate as best as possible with all stakeholders in the project.
Kind regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
T: 07584 259 075
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Dan Rose on the Roundabout update 20/06/2024
Works on the roundabout are ongoing and progressing nicely. We have completed more than half of the ‘Cut and cap’ exercise which involves digging out the earth from the existing roundabout footprint and installing our capping layer underneath the location of the new carriageway. Works have been slightly slower than anticipated for a number of reasons, namely due to finding the remains of buildings which were demolished in the 1960’s and serving due course in ensuring that these remains were not of significant historical interest. We are still working with the Museum of London Archaeology under a watch and brief to ensure that nothing of historical interest is damaged or disturbed as a part of our works. Further to the archaeology, we have also uncovered several unchartered services such as redundant drainage which has had to be removed as it could have negatively impacted the performance of the completed road. To the east and the west of the roundabout dig, there is also a live low voltage electric trunk main which powers a substantial amount of the Chichester shopping district, which we are having to take great care working around not to damage it.
Works for the next fortnight include:
- Completion of the cut and cap exercise.
- Removal of the existing kerbs.
- Commence with new surface water drainage
Many people may have noticed that the building remains that were in the east side of the roundabout have now been removed. Whilst regrettable to have to do, I would like to establish the following points:
- The remains were of no historical significance, the buildings were estimated to have been built in the 1800’s or early 1900’s.
- The remains removed were not Richard Gill’s residence.
- The buildings were demolished and built over in the 1960’s as a part of the existing road construction.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have held very positive meetings with the West Walls and Westgate resident’s associations. The meetings were a good opportunity to put faces to names, answer concerns relating to the job, and engage with local stakeholders who are likely to be most affected by our works. We will continue to maintain an established line of contact with these stakeholders and look forward to strengthening what has begun as a good working relationship with them. I would like to thank them for their time and welcome any other residents to express their concerns or raise any questions with me as they have done.
Furthermore, as part of our public engagement and integration in the local community, we are currently trying to set up a cricket match between a Mildren Construction XI and the Prebendal School parents’ team. Watch this space for updates!
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD.
T: 07584 259 075
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
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A note from Dan Rose, our site manager, on his role and on the archaeology:
Progress pictures June 2024
The Works
Construction of a Dutch-style roundabout to replace the existing roundabout at the Westgate / Orchard Street (A286) / Avenue do Chartres (A286) / West Street junction, including improved non-motorised user provision throughout, narrowing of the circulatory carriageway to incorporate the perimeter 2m cycleway, removal/relocation of existing controlled crossings on the Orchard Street and Avenue de Chartres arms and realignment of the existing layby adjacent to the Chichester Inn.
Dutch Style Roundabout Website GA(2)
Dutch Style Roundabout Website GA(1)
November 2023 update
Following completion of the works at Westgate mini-roundabout and Sherborne Road, construction was due to commence at Westgate Orchard Street roundabout to deliver the planned ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout and associated highways improvements. During the statutory consultation period relating to the proposed works, it was identified a Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) was required in respect of the registered monument known as ‘Chichester City Walls, The Tower, Orchard Street, Chichester Scheduled Monument’. This consent is required to permit works in and around the SMC and if granted, specifies any constraints on the planned construction works.
The process to secure the SMC and associated Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for archaeological monitoring during the construction phase is currently ongoing, and until granted, no works can start at the Westgate Orchard Street roundabout.
The works to deliver the proposed Dutch style roundabout at the Westgate Orchard Street junction have therefore been put on hold until March 2024, in order to ensure the SMC and associated WSI is approved and in place in respect of the delivery of the works, and to ensure the works can be delivered efficiently, effectively and with appropriate measures to protect and preserve the Scheduled Ancient Monument as required. Again, advanced warning of works starting at this location will be undertaken in due course.
It is expected at this time the works to complete the Westgate Orchard Street roundabout alongside the improvements to the existing carriageway block paving within Westgate itself will be completed by the end of 2024, however this is subject to grant of the SMC and any impacts arising from the archaeological watching brief. Completion of these works will conclude the overall package of works required to deliver the planning obligations on the Developer, providing improvements to the existing highway network surrounding the proposed development site at White House Farm.
June 2024 Update – letter to residents
Additional road works – Westgate and Sherborne Road
19/06/2024
To Whom it may concern,
I am writing to inform you that we have some additional works upcoming in the area as a part of the West of Chichester scheme. These items are mainly snagging, and remedial works left from the first phase.
While the majority of the works remain non-disruptive, other than small areas of footpath closures. The works which are likely to cause the most disruption is the following:
- Westgate southern footpath to the east of the mini roundabout – raising the footpath drainage gully, raising kerbs to prevent ponding, lowering the tactile pavers on the zebra crossing – 25/06/24 for 3 days.
- Westgate mini roundabout (General) – Plane out and resurface all footpath areas where there are scars and temporary tarmac from the electrical installation for the zebra crossing beacons – 01/07/24 for 2 days.
- Sherborne Road, micro trenching from the junction of Oak Avenue to the nearest lamp column to the south. This will involve trenching across the driveway entrances of no’s 80, 78 and 76 Sherborne Road. We will always maintain access to driveways and ensure the works are temporarily reinstated once works are complete – 28/06/2024 for 1 day
- Sherborne Road, plane out and resurface footways surrounding 2 new zebra crossings, by Dunford Close and Oak Avenue, again, the works near Oak Avenue will involve tarmac laying to the driveway entrance of 80, 78 and 76 Sherborne Road – 03/07/2024 for 1 day
I apologise in advance for any inconvenience these works may cause, we will do our upmost to ensure that we minimise disruption. If you wish to discuss any of these works further, please contact me – my details will be at the foot of this letter. We will inform you with as much notice as possible should these dates above change for any reason.
Kind regards,
Dan Rose.
Site Manager – Mildren Construction LTD.
T: 07584 259 075
E: Dan.Rose@mildrenconstruction.co.uk
May 2024 Update
Significant progress has been made, whereby Clay Lane 278 works is complete and is in the auditing stage. Sherbourne Road is complete and awaiting auditors to carry out surveys and reports – there may be additional works required after auditors their complete reports and further updates can be provided at this stage.
November 2023 Update
Works are nearing completion, with only minor works to complete roadmarkings, footways and final signage to be completed. It is anticipated works will be concluded by the end of November 2023.
Due to delays in electrical connections to be undertaken to provide the belisha beacons at the new controlled crossings, the works to deliver the final crossings will be completed at a later date. Until the works to provide connections to the beacons can be completed, the white lining including ‘zebra’ crossing markings will not be installed, and only dropped kerbs and tactile paving will be provided. This is necessary to ensure the safety of users at the proposed crossings. Works to complete the final crossings will be minor and short-term, and advanced notification of works recommencing at tthese areas will be undertaken in due course to all those likely to be affected.
The Works
Pedestrian and cycle improvements at the existing mini-roundabout junction of Sherborne Road and Westgate, including introduction of new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings across the western and southern arms, and new parallel crossings across the northern and eastern arms. Works will include pavement reconstruction, new street lighting, adaptations, and improvements to drainage, resurfacing of existing carriageways, renewal of traffic signs & vehicle restraint barrier.
Works to renew and relay the existing block paving to offer a better and safer route for cyclists. Improvements to the road narrowing stand outs to make safer for cyclists. Minor safety improvements to uncontrolled junction crossings for pedestrians – installing tactile paving slabs.
Improvements to the existing cycle bypass points from the western end of Westgate to Tannery Close together with remedial works to the existing block paviours in the area of The Narrows up to Orchard Street Roundabout. The Westgate / Orchard Street Dutch Style Roundabout works are to be completed in advance of the block paviours works.
Westgate_Sherbourne Roundabout Website GA
Westgate Pavement repair website GA(2)
Westgate Pavement repair website GA(1)
Construction of a priority junction to the proposed development site and Clay Lane and, Junction alterations at the existing junction of Clay Lane with Fishbourne Road East, including narrowing of the existing junction bellmouth, and associated footway and cycleway improvements.
November 2023 Update
Works are nearing completion, with only minor works to complete roadmarkings, footways and final signage to be completed. It is anticipated works will be concluded by the end of November 2023.
Due to delays in electrical connections to be undertaken to provide the belisha beacons at the new controlled crossings, the works to deliver the final crossings will be completed at a later date. Until the works to provide connections to the beacons can be completed, the white lining including ‘zebra’ crossing markings will not be installed, and only dropped kerbs and tactile paving will be provided. This is necessary to ensure the safety of users at the proposed crossings. Works to complete the final crossings will be minor and short-term, and advanced notification of works recommencing at these areas will be undertaken in due course to all those likely to be affected.
The Works
Traffic management works on Sherborne Road, including renewing carriageway markings, introduction of gateway features and carriageway roundels, two new Zebra crossings, two new min-roundabouts and a new uncontrolled crossing and road narrowing. Works will include pavement reconstruction, new street lighting, adaptations, and improvements to drainage, resurfacing of existing carriageways and new traffic signs.