In 2023, a landslip on Chapel Road, just outside Cushendall, County Antrim, resulted in the closure of a section of the Coast Road, a key transport route along Northern Ireland’s north coast. The incident created significant disruption and required a rapid, reliable retaining solution to stabilise the affected area and facilitate the safe reopening of the road within a tight timeframe.
Redi-Rock was identified as the optimal solution for the project due to its speed of installation, minimal site disruption and proven performance in demanding infrastructure applications. The modular precast system enabled construction to progress efficiently while providing the strength and durability required for the site conditions. Its ability to achieve substantial retaining heights while maintaining a relatively compact footprint also made it particularly well suited to the constraints of the roadside location.
Significant site constraints played a key role in determining the design and construction approach for the project. The close proximity of the carriageway meant there was limited space available for excavation, preventing the construction of a conventional retaining structure behind the road. This required a solution that could be installed efficiently within the restricted working area while still providing the necessary structural performance.
The adjacent river presented an additional challenge, with environmental considerations an important factor throughout the project. Constructing a traditional cast in-situ concrete retaining wall would have introduced a potential risk of water contamination during the works, making a precast solution particularly advantageous.
As a precast modular retaining wall system, Redi-Rock eliminated the need for extensive formwork and in-situ concrete works on site. This helped to minimise environmental risks, reduce site disruption and accelerate the overall construction programme. Furthermore, the system was already approved by the relevant authorities and carries HAPAS approval for highway applications, providing additional confidence in its suitability for this demanding roadside project.
The modular nature of Redi-Rock also allowed the retaining structure to be constructed efficiently within the challenging site conditions. By reducing the amount of work required on site and enabling a faster installation process, the system contributed to the timely completion of the works.
Ultimately, the use of Redi-Rock provided a practical and effective solution to the challenges presented by the site, enabling the retaining structure to be installed efficiently and the road to be safely reopened. This restored access along an important coastal route while providing a durable retaining solution designed to deliver long-term performance.
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