Overview
Temporary roadway for school construction was required at The Southwolds Academy & Sixth Form in Stanton on the Wolds, where existing buildings were being converted into new classrooms. With no direct access to the work area, all construction vehicles and deliveries needed to cross a grass field.
JAK Hire was brought in to install a temporary trackway solution that would allow safe access for both light and heavy vehicles over a 6 to 8 week period. The goal was to create a durable and cost effective alternative to a traditional stone roadway, while protecting the field and maintaining site efficiency.
The Challenge
School construction projects often require careful planning to balance access, cost and environmental impact.
No Existing Access Route
The only viable route to the buildings under conversion was across a grass field, which was unsuitable for repeated vehicle movements without protection.
Long Term Temporary Access
Unlike short duration lifts or weekend works, this project required a solution that could remain in place for up to two months, supporting continuous site activity.
Avoiding Type 1 Installation
A traditional Type 1 roadway was considered, but this option came with significant drawbacks:
- high installation costs
- extended installation time
- additional removal and reinstatement costs
A more efficient and flexible alternative was required.
Mixed Vehicle Use
The roadway needed to support a wide range of traffic, including:
- small site vehicles
- delivery vans
- larger construction vehicles
All without causing ground damage or becoming unusable in poor weather.
The Solution
JAK Hire installed a temporary roadway using TuffTrak ground protection mats, creating a reliable access route across the grass field.
Rapid Trackway Installation
TuffTrak mats were installed quickly to form a continuous roadway, allowing immediate access for site vehicles and deliveries without delays to the construction programme.
Durable Surface for Ongoing Use
The mats provided a strong, load spreading surface capable of handling both light and heavy traffic over the full 6 to 8 week period.
Cost Effective Alternative to Type 1
By using a temporary trackway system, the client avoided:
- material and labour costs associated with stone installation
- time delays linked to groundworks
- reinstatement costs after project completion
Ground Protection
The matting protected the underlying grass field from:
- rutting and compaction
- surface damage from repeated vehicle movements
- weather related deterioration
This ensured the area could be returned to its original condition once works were complete.
The Outcome
The project was completed successfully, with uninterrupted access maintained throughout the construction programme. The temporary roadway performed reliably over the full duration, supporting all vehicle types without issue. By using TuffTrak ground protection mats, the school benefited from a fast, flexible and cost effective access solution that eliminated the need for permanent groundworks while protecting the site.
Customer Experience
Need a Temporary Roadway for School Construction?
If you need a temporary roadway for school construction or access across grass, sports fields or sensitive ground, JAK Hire can provide fast and cost effective solutions.
Our TuffTrak systems are ideal for both short and long term projects, allowing all types of vehicles to operate safely while protecting the ground and avoiding costly reinstatement. Contact JAK Hire today to discuss your project requirements.