Aggregate Industries provide coastal defence resilience in Lancashire
Company supplying rock armour and aggregate for sea-defence project at Rossall Beach
WORKING in collaboration with Wyre Council (Lancashire Council) and Balfour Beatty, a three-year coastal defence initiative at Rossall Beach has just passed its one-year milestone. The project, the largest of its kind in the last decade in the north of England, commenced in April 2023 and is currently in its second phase.
The initial phase allowed the beach to remain open, emphasizing the importance of minimal disruption to the public, and the primary focus now is on implementing a robust sea-defence strategy utilizing Aggregate Industries’ rock armour solution to counter the challenges posed by rising sea levels. The ambitious project involves the supply of 300,000 tonnes of rock and aggregate to fortify the coastline stretching from Cleveleys to Fleetwood.
Tom Randall, sales manager at Aggregate Industries, said: ‘Rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change, pose a significant threat to coastal communities in the UK and worldwide. As these levels continue to increase, the urgency for robust sea-defence solutions become paramount, emphasizing the crucial role of proactive measures such as coastal barriers and sustainable infrastructure to mitigate the potential impacts on vulnerable regions.’
The rock armour, consisting of rocks ranging from three tonnes to 10 tonnes in weight, serves as a formidable barrier against erosion. Delivered on articulated dumptrucks, the rocks are strategically placed to create groynes that divide the ocean, safeguard the beach, and retain the sand.
The size and weight of the rocks necessitates effective collaboration between contractors and quarries, particularly in the loading and unloading processes. Aggregate Industries’ Holme Park and Back Lane quarries are vital partners in the venture, along with specialized contractors W Robinson (haulage) and P&L Barton (loading and selection of the rock armour in the quarry). As rock armour is not normally kept in the quarries, close communication with the customer at an early stage was also critical, to ensure continuous supply over the course of the contract.
The technical intricacies of the project involve extensive testing both in the quarry and on site. Balfour Beatty’s technical team meticulously assesses the rocks for their weight, density, and interlocking capabilities, to achieve a perfect blend of rock sizes that will effectively interlock the groynes, forming a cohesive and resilient sea defence structure.
With a focus on flood prevention and the anticipated rise in sea levels, this project exemplifies the growing need for sustainable coastal defence initiatives. To date, the project underscores the significance of addressing these challenges proactively and showcases the technical expertise and collaborative effort required to create a resilient and effective coastal defence system along the Lancashire coastline.
