Project Overview
An ongoing directional drilling project in Newport, South Wales required reliable site access throughout several months of phased works. The programme ran from late autumn into December, a period known locally for heavy rainfall and soft ground conditions. Maintaining safe and consistent access for plant, equipment, and crews was essential to keep the drilling phases moving without disruption.
The Challenge: Soft Ground in the Colder Months
The main challenge was ground stability during colder and wetter months. Prolonged rainfall increased the risk of soft ground, loss of traction, and surface damage across access routes and working areas.
Because the project was delivered in phases, continuity between each stage was critical. Any ground failure or restricted access could have delayed subsequent drilling works, introduced safety risks, and affected the wider programme.
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roundGuards Solution: XtremeMat
GroundGuards supplied XtremeMat to create stable access routes and working platforms around the directional drilling operation. The mats were chosen for their high load bearing capability and their proven performance on soft and variable ground.
Installation was carried out in stages to match the progress of the works. This phased approach ensured that access was maintained as drilling advanced, while keeping installation time and on site disruption to a minimum.
The interlocking panel design provided a secure and even running surface for plant and service vehicles, including during periods of sustained wet weather. Close coordination between GroundGuards and the site team ensured mats were positioned exactly where they were needed at each stage of the programme.
Results & Outcome
The most recent phase, completed through December, highlighted the effectiveness of a consistent ground protection strategy. Site access remained stable throughout, allowing works to continue as planned despite challenging seasonal conditions.
The protected surfaces showed no signs of deterioration, supporting safe movement of vehicles and personnel. Overall, the solution helped maintain programme continuity and reduced the risk of delays associated with ground failure.
What this means for similar projects
- Early planning for winter ground conditions helps protect programmes from weather related delays
- Phased installation of ground protection supports long running or staged works
- High load bearing mats are essential where plant and service vehicles require repeated access
- Reliable access solutions improve safety and efficiency on live sites
- The right matting system can perform consistently across changing ground conditions
If your project requires dependable access for utility or civil engineering works, GroundGuards can help. Speak to our team to discuss a solution tailored to your site conditions and programme.
