Canal Side Case Study
In just 4 weeks, Midland Rock completed complex excavation, foundation removal, and backfilling works on a contaminated canal siding adjacent to a live Network Rail site. Using advanced machine-only operations, GPS technology, and phased project management, we overcame ground contamination, tight constraints, and underground utilities to deliver high-quality piling mats, road realignments, and drainage installations.
Canalside Phase 1
Midland Rock successfully completed complex earthworks on a challenging brownfield canal siding site next to a live Network Rail line—all within a tight 4-week deadline. The project involved machine-only excavation of old foundations, cut and fill operations, backfilling, and extensive site clearance including removal of rubble and tree stumps. We also excavated a borrow pit, installed piling mats, realigned roads, and excavated drainage channels. Our precise planning and use of advanced technology ensured safe, efficient progress amid contamination and underground utilities, delivering a high-quality groundwork solution for the canal-side redevelopment.
Value
£300K+
Programme
4 Weeks
Services
Site Clarence, Cut & Fill, Site Enabling, Demolition & Material Management
The Challenge
Midland Rock was tasked with complex earthworks on a constrained brownfield site at an old canal siding next to a live Network Rail line. The site contained large underground utilities and contamination, requiring a strictly machine-only approach to protect workers and environment. Scope of works included excavation of old buried foundations, cut and fill operations, backfilling, and testing to ensure ground stability. Additional tasks involved excavating a borrow pit, and full site clearance including removal of rubble and tree stumps. Road realignments and drainage channels were also excavated, and piling mats installed to prepare for piling and future road construction. All works had to be completed within an extremely tight 4-week deadline to align with other contracted activities.
The Solution
To meet this demanding deadline, Midland Rock adopted a meticulously phased program coordinated with Network Rail and other site stakeholders. Advanced excavation machinery, GPS-guided grading, and rigorous quality assurance ensured efficient, safe progress with minimal disruption. Machine-only work minimised contamination risks, while active contamination management and environmental controls maintained site compliance. The borrow pit excavation and clearance provided space for on-site material stockpiling, reducing waste removal and improving sustainability. Road formation and drainage works were completed to exacting standards, ensuring a reliable platform for subsequent piling operations and road construction.
Project Outcome
Despite challenging ground conditions and the constrained working environment, Midland Rock delivered the full scope on schedule within the 4-week timeframe. Seamless collaboration with adjacent contractors and Network Rail enabled smooth project flow without downtime. The high-quality earthworks, foundation excavation, and clearance works provided a strong, stable base for ongoing canal-side redevelopment. This project highlights Midland Rock’s expertise in rapid, safe, and environmentally responsible civil engineering solutions on complex brownfield sites.
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