Overview
JAK Hire was engaged by Western Power to deliver a specialist Difficult Access Solution for a utility site requiring urgent maintenance. The works involved creating a stable temporary pad and access route down a slope and across a soft reed area so that replacement utility poles could be carried out quickly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. The project required a carefully planned approach due to the narrow access point, environmental sensitivity, and the need for heavy plant to operate in challenging ground conditions.
The Challenge
The project presented a unique set of site challenges:
-
Narrow access point: The roadway to site was too tight for large delivery vehicles, meaning equipment had to be transported in sections.
-
Unstable ground: The working area included soft reed beds that could not withstand heavy machinery without protection.
-
Slope access: The route down to the worksite was steep, increasing the risk of vehicles or equipment losing traction.
-
Environmental impact: The works needed to be completed with minimal disruption to local habitats and without damage to the surrounding landscape.
-
Service continuity: Pole replacement needed to be completed swiftly to avoid service downtime.
The Solution
JAK Hire provided a tailored Difficult Access Solution using interlocking heavy-duty ground protection mats to create a safe pad and access route.
Access logistics
-
Two smaller lorries were used to deliver mats to the access point due to the restricted entrance.
-
A Telehandler was then deployed to transport the mats across the slope and into the working zone.
Installation
-
Mats were installed across the soft reed bed, creating a stable surface for vehicles and plant to operate.
-
A reinforced pad was constructed around the pole replacement area to handle concentrated weight and equipment movements.
During works
-
The mats provided traction for machinery moving down the slope.
-
Vehicles and plant could manoeuvre safely without damaging the ground.
-
The solution ensured Western Power’s team could complete the pole replacement efficiently and safely.
The Outcome
- Safe, stable access created in a restricted and sensitive site.
- Pole replacement completed on schedule with minimal disruption.
- Environmental impact reduced, protecting reed beds and surrounding landscape.
- Logistics managed smoothly despite narrow access and slope challenges.
- Successful collaboration with Western Power to ensure continuity of service.
Customer Experience
“JAK Hire made what looked like a very difficult access job simple. The mats gave us a safe pad to work from and allowed us to complete the pole replacement with no delays.”
“The team handled every challenge — from restricted access to moving mats on slopes. It was a seamless installation and exactly what was needed for such a tricky site.”
Related Projects
Looking for Road Access Solutions?
JAK Hire specialises in Difficult Access Solutions for utility, infrastructure, and construction projects. From narrow entrances and steep slopes to soft ground and sensitive environments, our ground protection mats create safe and reliable access routes where traditional methods are not possible.
Contact us today to discuss your project.