How XtremeMat Ground Protection Mats Maintained Sewage Works Access on Flood-Prone Terrain
A major sewage treatment project near Doncaster needed a safe, reliable access route across flood-prone land between a river and an active railway line. The ground was soft, environmentally sensitive and at risk of repeated flooding during the works. GroundGuards supplied a continuous XtremeMat ground protection mats trackway so heavy vehicles could reach the site while protecting the underlying ground and meeting strict environmental requirements.
This solution kept the project moving through winter and spring, even when parts of the site were temporarily underwater.
The Challenge: Sewage Works Access Across Soft, Saturated Ground
The only viable access route to the sewage works crossed sensitive land between a river and a live railway line, with a raised berm in between. Regular construction traffic and heavy plant risked churning up the ground, creating ruts, and potentially destabilising the route.
The programme also ran through the wettest part of the year. Heavy rainfall and localised flooding were common, and at times the river rose high enough to submerge long sections of the site. Any failed access would have delayed the project, increased reinstatement costs and risked breaching environmental conditions.
The client needed an access solution that would perform reliably on soft, saturated ground, remain stable if flooded, and minimise the lasting impact on the land.
Our Solution: Heavy Duty XtremeMat Trackway For Long-Term Site Access
To secure the access route, GroundGuards supplied over 600 XtremeMat ground protection mats, creating a continuous 1.35 km trackway from the site entrance to the working areas. Each mat measures 4m x 2m and is made from a tough composite with a hard foam core. This construction helps the mats stay stable on soft or waterlogged surfaces and provides buoyancy if water levels rise.
The mats were installed in advance of the worst of the winter weather, with the trackway laid carefully along the full route between the river and railway line. Overlapping edges and bolted connections locked the mats tightly together, forming a solid running surface for construction traffic.
Once in place, the XtremeMat trackway allowed plant and vehicles to move safely and efficiently along the access road. The mats spread loads evenly, preventing rutting, protecting the subgrade and reducing the need for ongoing repairs or realignment.
As winter storms developed and local rivers broke their banks, large areas of the site were temporarily submerged. Throughout this period, the trackway remained intact. The bolted system and resilient mat construction ensured everything stayed in position, ready for use as soon as the water receded.
Results: Reliable Sewage Works Access And Protected Ground
Over a six month period, the XtremeMat trackway provided the dependable access the project required. Heavy plant movements, daily site traffic and repeated flooding did not compromise the route.
When the works were complete and the mats were removed, the underlying ground was left in excellent condition, with minimal reinstatement required. The client was pleased with both the product performance and the support from GroundGuards, knowing the access solution had stood up to severe weather and demanding site conditions.
Another challenging site was delivered safely, efficiently and with clear consideration for the environment.
Key Lessons For Utilities And Floodplain Access Projects
For other sewage works and utility schemes facing similar challenges, this project highlights several practical lessons:
- Plan robust access early where routes cross floodplains or sit close to rivers and active rail lines.
- Use heavy duty composite mats on soft, saturated or flood-prone ground to maintain safe access without importing stone.
- Choose a trackway system with secure, bolted connections so access routes stay in place even if temporarily submerged.
- Design access routes to protect sensitive land, reducing reinstatement costs and helping to meet environmental obligations.
- Consider long continuous runs of matting where projects demand months of reliable access over the same route.
Plan XtremeMat Ground Protection For Your Next Utilities Project
If you are planning sewage works or other utilities and infrastructure projects on difficult or flood-prone ground, GroundGuards can help you plan a safe, efficient access solution. Our team can advise on route planning, mat selection and installation to keep your programme on track, whatever the weather.
Get in touch to discuss how XtremeMat could support your next project.
