MaxiTrack Temporary Roadway Mats for Tonbridge School Renovation in Kent
Tonbridge School in Kent, an independent boarding school, was undergoing extensive renovation works that required frequent access for heavy construction vehicles. Articulated lorries, cranes, and piling rigs needed to move around the site, but the existing tarmac roads were not designed for those loads. The priority was to create a robust temporary roadway that protected the original surface while keeping site traffic moving safely and efficiently.
The Challenge: Heavy Construction Traffic on Tarmac Not Designed for High Loads
Repeated movements from heavy plant can crack or degrade tarmac, leading to costly repairs, safety concerns, and disruption - particularly in a live school environment where tidiness and control matter.
The school needed an access solution that would cushion and preserve the existing roads, handle high loads reliably, and be installed with minimal disturbance to the day-to-day setting.
Our Solution: MaxiTrack Access Road Mats Installed Over Protective Underlay
Following a site survey, GroundGuards recommended MaxiTrack heavy-duty trackway mats as the most suitable system for protecting the school’s paved surfaces. MaxiTrack’s modular format and strength made it well suited to creating a temporary roadway over existing tarmac.
170 Mats Laid on a Specialist Protective Underlay
A total of 170 MaxiTrack mats were installed on a specialist protective underlay to further cushion and preserve the tarmac beneath. This approach helped reduce point loading and minimise the risk of surface damage during repeated heavy vehicle movements.
Fast Installation With Minimal Disruption
GroundGuards’ installation team completed the work swiftly, supporting the construction programme while limiting disruption to the school environment.
Confidence Under Heavy Plant
Each MaxiTrack mat is rated unbreakable by vehicles up to 130 tonnes, giving the client confidence that even the heaviest machinery - including piling rigs and cranes - could operate safely over the protected access route.
Results: Tarmac Protected, Access Maintained, and Value Recovered Through Buy Back
The temporary access road performed as required, providing a clean, safe, solid route for heavy traffic. The tarmac remained undamaged throughout the works, enabling the project to progress without concerns over surface deterioration or safety.
At the end of the programme, the client used GroundGuards’ Buy Back Scheme, returning the mats for a refund and achieving strong overall value. The site was left clean and tidy, ready for school life to continue as normal.
Key Lessons for Protecting Tarmac and Paved Surfaces During Major Renovations
- Where heavy plant must run on existing roads, protect early to avoid cracking and expensive reinstatement later.
- Combine heavy-duty mats with an underlay when the priority is preserving the finish of tarmac or paving beneath.
- Modular temporary roadways can keep projects moving while maintaining safe, controlled routes in sensitive environments.
- Fast installation reduces disruption, particularly on sites like schools where presentation and access management are important.
- Consider end-of-project recovery options - buy-back or reuse can significantly improve whole-life cost.
Speak to GroundGuards About Temporary Roadway Mats for Construction Traffic
If you need to protect roads or paved surfaces from construction vehicles, GroundGuards can help. We provide expert advice, rapid delivery, and proven matting systems that keep sites moving while safeguarding the surface below. Contact our team to discuss the right solution for your project.
