Overview
Rodborough School in Godalming was undertaking a major improvement project to install a new 4G sports pitch. The location of the new pitch was beyond the school’s existing playing fields, meaning that access for construction vehicles, plant machinery and materials would need to pass across areas of grass that were already in use by the school.
To support the construction works, a school construction haul road was required to allow heavy equipment and materials to reach the site safely while protecting the existing sports pitches. The project also needed to be carried out while the school remained operational, making careful planning essential to minimise disruption to daily school activities.
JAK Hire was appointed to design and install a temporary haul road using TuffTrak ground protection mats, providing a stable route for construction traffic while preserving the condition of the school grounds.
The Challenge
Installing a new sports pitch within a live school environment presented several logistical and operational challenges.
Protecting Existing Sports Pitches
The construction site was located beyond the school’s current playing fields. This meant that construction vehicles, plant machinery and delivery lorries would need to travel across existing pitches to reach the work area. Without appropriate protection, this level of traffic could have caused significant damage, including:
- Deep wheel ruts in the playing surfaces
- Compaction of the turf
- Long term disruption to sports activities
Maintaining the usability of the existing pitches during the project was a key priority for the school.
Heavy Construction Traffic
The project required the movement of a wide range of construction vehicles and materials, including:
- Excavators and plant machinery
- Delivery lorries transporting materials
- Vehicles removing excavated spoil from the site
These vehicles needed a safe and reliable route to travel between the site entrance and the construction area.
Working on a Live School Site
The construction work was taking place while the school was still in operation. This meant that the installation and removal of the temporary haul road had to be carefully coordinated to minimise disruption. Key considerations included:
- Scheduling installation outside busy school periods
- Ensuring safe access routes around student areas
- Coordinating vehicle movements with the construction schedule
Precise Planning Requirements
Because construction traffic would be passing across the school grounds for an extended period, the timing of both the installation and removal of the temporary roadway was critical. Delivery vehicles carrying the mats needed to access the site efficiently, and installation had to be completed quickly so that construction work could begin on schedule.
The Solution
JAK Hire provided a robust school construction haul road using TuffTrak ground protection mats, allowing contractors to access the construction area safely without damaging the existing pitches.
Temporary Haul Road Installation
The TuffTrak system was installed to create a defined route across the school grounds, forming a temporary roadway capable of supporting construction vehicles and heavy equipment. The haul road allowed:
- Plant machinery to reach the new pitch location
- Delivery vehicles to transport construction materials
- Spoil to be removed from the site efficiently
The mats distributed the weight of vehicles evenly across the surface, preventing the ground beneath from becoming compacted or damaged.
Protecting Sports Facilities
A key advantage of using TuffTrak mats is their ability to protect sensitive surfaces such as sports fields and grass pitches.
By installing the haul road across the existing playing fields, JAK Hire ensured that construction traffic could move safely without affecting the condition of the sports areas.
This allowed the school to maintain the quality of its playing fields while still enabling the construction project to proceed.
Efficient Installation and Removal
Because the works were taking place within a live school environment, timing was an important factor. The installation of the haul road was carefully scheduled to ensure that:
- Access for construction vehicles was available when required
- Disruption to school operations was kept to a minimum
- Mat deliveries and installation vehicles could access the site efficiently
Once construction works were completed, JAK Hire returned to uplift the mats, allowing the playing fields to return to normal use.
The Outcome
The installation of the temporary haul road enabled the 4G pitch construction project to proceed smoothly while protecting the school grounds. By using TuffTrak ground protection mats, Rodborough School was able to complete a major sports facility upgrade without compromising the condition of its existing pitches.
Temporary Construction Access for Schools
School construction projects often require access across grass fields, playgrounds or other sensitive surfaces. JAK Hire provides temporary construction haul roads that allow vehicles and machinery to reach work areas safely while protecting the ground beneath.
From sports pitch installations to building extensions and infrastructure upgrades, our ground protection systems provide a fast, practical and fully reversible access solution. Contact JAK Hire today to discuss your temporary construction access requirements.