Piling rigs move onto South Devon Link Road site

The construction of the South Devon Link Road steps up a notch next month as piling rigs are due to move onto the site.

Devon County Council and Torbay Council have announced that two piling rigs will begin to help construct the new road.

The ‘Continuous Flight Auger’ (CFA) piling rigs, large scale equipment used to build foundations and retaining walls, will be used at various locations along the length of the new road.

The CFA rigs cut a pile with a drill action, and are quieter than rigs which use a hammer action.

Paul Ewings, Chief Engineer (Highways and Traffic) at Devon County Council said: “Piling rigs are often used in a project of this scale and will help to quickly provide strength and stability in the foundations.”

“We are pleased that Galliford Try have chosen to use CFA style rigs, as these are significantly quieter than the traditional type of rig.”

Torbay Mayor Gordon Oliver said: “These pieces of equipment are essential in building the new road and are a sign that construction is progressing well.”

Jim Watson, Project Director at Galliford Try, the contractor which is constructing the road, said: “With site clearance now complete, work will move to the next phase, which will be predominantly constructing foundations for a variety of structures throughout the scheme.

“Piling rigs will be required for this and will appear along the length of the new road at various locations for a range of times. While we understand some people may not find them visually appealing, they are a necessary part of the construction process.”

The 5.5km dual carriageway, which will provide the long awaited bypass for Kingskerswell, was granted full approval by the government in May last year: work began in autumn 2012 and is due to be completed by December 2015.

For more information please visit www.southdevonlinkroad.co.uk