Sheet Piling (UK) has engineered a sheet piling installation project in the Inverness area, where it has worked with contractor, Pat Munro, on the Raigmore Active Travel Link works. This project is all about encouraging more people to walk, wheel and cycle for better fitness and to not have to cross busy roads in pursuit of this goal.

Sheet Piling (UK) has installed a permanent retaining wall comprised of Emirates Steel EZ24-700 sheet piles, which provides lateral earth retention for the switchback ramp arrangement within the Raigmore Active Travel Link project. This provides a pedestrian, cycle, wheeler and mobility scooter link, from the existing Golden Bridge in Inverness to the Raigmore Interchange. The route allows access to the Inverness Shopping Park from the Raigmore Interchange via the nearby Inverness Campus.

The steel sheet piles have been clad in Ekki hardwood, to deliver the same aesthetic as those at the adjacent campus. Being able to clad steel sheet piles in such a way is yet another advantage of using steel for sheet pile wall projects.

The steel sheet piles, also known for their resilience and long lifespan, have been installed using Sheet Piling's own unique and specially commissioned ABI TM20 long-reach telescopic leader rig. Being able to reach a full 3m further than any other sheet pile installation rig, this rig has allowed enabling works to be drastically simplified, cutting the cost of the project, while also preventing any unnecessary delay.

Vibration and noise monitoring has also been in place, as 1sheet Piling and the Pat Munro team have sought to minimise disruption and the disturbance of local residents while working within legal requirements.

The project, due for completion in September, has been funded by the Scottish government, through Transport Scotland and Sustrans, and will add to the sustainability of travel in the local area.