Normally we deliver all our concrete to construction sites and infrastructure projects by road, as you’d expect. Sometimes by wheelbarrow. Not this time. This time we delivered concrete by boat.
Well, a barge to be exact.
For this recent project, we travelled across the Pennines to Aspley Basin in Huddersfield, where we added another unique delivery point to the Goodmix list: directly into a canal barge.
The concrete was needed to support construction work taking place along the canal. The location itself couldn’t be accessed by a conventional concrete mixer, so we just adapted – like we always do!
Finding practical ways to get concrete where it needs to go is something our team does every day.
Delivering concrete directly to the canal
For this project, our mixer was able to reach the canal edge via the basin car park and position safely alongside the water.
Once the vehicle was in place, its extendable discharge arm reached over the canal bank and supplied the required material directly into the waiting barge.
The barge then set off, taking the concrete along the waterway to the construction area, ready to be used for the repairs and upgrades.
No unnecessary handling. No complicated transfer process. Just a carefully planned delivery that helped the team get the concrete closer to where it was needed.
Careful planning from road to water
Concrete delivery is always time-sensitive. When a project involves restricted access, specialist vehicles and transportation by canal, the logistics become even more important.
Before a delivery like this can take place, the team needs to consider:
- Whether the mixer can safely reach and operate beside the canal
- The distance between the vehicle and the barge
- How the concrete will be discharged
- Coordination with the teams working on and beside the water
Everyone needs to be ready, and every stage of the delivery needs to work as planned.
By coordinating closely with the project team, we arrived at the right time, positioned the mixer correctly and completed the supply efficiently.
Concrete for difficult-to-access projects
Not every construction project takes place beside a clear road with plenty of room for a mixer.
Much of our infrastructure work happens beneath bridges, beside railway lines, along towpaths, behind buildings or in areas where standard site access simply isn’t available.
That doesn’t mean we can’t deliver the concrete – far from it. It just means we need to consider the delivery method carefully.
Our experienced team regularly support commercial and infrastructure contractors with concrete supplies for unusual, restricted and demanding locations. We always look at:
- The access,
- Required mix,
- Volume
- Delivery arrangements
- Working schedule
…before we recommend the most practical solution.
Our volumetric mixers also produce concrete on site, at delivery, giving project teams greater control over the amount supplied and helping to reduce waste.
Need concrete delivered to an unusual location?
From canal infrastructure and highways to commercial developments and restricted-access construction sites, Goodmix can help you plan a reliable concrete supply, wherever your project is – 24/7.
Tell us where the concrete is needed, what access is available and when your project is taking place.
Our team will work with you to identify the right mix and the most practical way to deliver it – on time, to spec, as much or as little as you need.
Planning a commercial or infrastructure project in Manchester or across the North West?
Call Goodmix today on 0161 711 1165 to discuss your concrete requirements or get in touch here.
Recent Comments