Access Road & Section 278 Works

Project Location

Kesgrave, Suffolk

Service(s) Required

Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Client

Kesgrave Council

Date of Project

September 14th 2024

Access Road & Section 278 Works

Project Overview

Opus Construction appointed our team to deliver a comprehensive access road and Section 278 highways works package in Kesgrave, supporting a wider development scheme. The project required close coordination with local authorities, strict adherence to highways standards, and careful traffic and safety management throughout the works.

The objective was to create a safe, durable, and fully compliant access route that integrated seamlessly with the existing highway network while minimising disruption to road users and local residents.

Scope of Works

The project scope covered all elements associated with new highway infrastructure and Section 278 obligations, including:

  • Construction of a new access road

  • Section 278 works to the existing public highway

  • Kerbing, drainage, and road construction layers

  • Footways and pedestrian access improvements

  • Service coordination and utility protection

  • Traffic management and temporary works

  • Compliance inspections and approvals

All works were delivered in line with local authority specifications and current highways regulations.

Challenges

Key challenges on this project included:

  • Working on and adjacent to a live public highway

  • Maintaining traffic flow and pedestrian safety

  • Coordinating approvals and inspections with the highways authority

  • Ensuring programme certainty while managing external constraints

Careful planning and proactive communication were essential to keep the project running smoothly.

Our Approach

From the outset, we worked collaboratively with Opus Construction, local stakeholders, and the highways authority to ensure a well-coordinated delivery strategy.

Our approach included:

  • Early engagement with highways officers to streamline approvals

  • Detailed traffic management planning to minimise disruption

  • Phased construction to maintain safe access at all times

  • High-quality materials and workmanship to ensure long-term durability

  • Regular progress updates and inspections to maintain compliance

Health and safety remained a top priority throughout, with robust site controls and clear signage implemented at every stage.

Outcome

The access road and Section 278 works were completed on programme and to specification, providing a high-quality highway interface that supports the ongoing development in Kesgrave.

The finished scheme delivers:

  • Safe and efficient vehicle access

  • Improved pedestrian connectivity

  • Full compliance with Section 278 requirements

  • A durable, future-proof highway solution

Opus Construction was provided with a fully approved and adoptable highway asset, contributing to the overall success of the development.

Client Feedback

Opus Construction valued the team’s professionalism, technical expertise, and proactive approach, particularly in managing highways approvals and live-road conditions.