“Castles in the sky, need foundations on the ground!”

The project at Castle Hill focused on upgrading the existing footway and carriageway to improve pedestrian access and traffic flow. Key features included the replacement of riven Yorkstone and cobblestone areas with modern sawn Yorkstone paving, the installation of a raised granite block paving table, and the relocation of street furniture to create a more organized and appealing environment. Additionally, the project incorporated safety features, such as the installation of removable Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) bollards and the removal of the existing one-way traffic system.

Footway Upgrades with Sawn Yorkstone Paving

  • Sawn Yorkstone Paving: The project involved replacing the existing riven Yorkstone and cobblestone with sawn Yorkstone for a more modern, durable, and accessible footway. This provided a smoother walking surface, enhancing pedestrian comfort and improving accessibility.

Carriageway Modifications

  • Reduced Carriageway Width: To prioritize pedestrian safety and enhance the streetscape, the carriageway width was reduced. This improvement ensures a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

  • Granite Block Paving Installation: Granite block paving was installed along the carriageway, laid flush with the footways to create a seamless transition between pedestrian and vehicle spaces. The paving was marked with tactile units, ensuring safe navigation for visually impaired pedestrians.

Northern Footway Refurbishment

  • Refurbishment Process: The northern footway was refurbished using a combination of jet washing, re-laying, and repointing to restore its original condition. Sections of the existing paving were also replaced with sawn Yorkstone to ensure consistency and high-quality finishes.

Raised Granite Block Paving Table

  • Traffic Calming Feature: A raised granite block paving table was installed to calm traffic and create a safer pedestrian space. This feature is designed to slow down vehicle speeds while also enhancing the visual appeal of the street.

  • Stone Mastic Asphalt Surfacing: The surface around the raised table was finished with stone mastic asphalt, providing a durable and smooth finish.

Street Furniture & Holiday Features

  • Relocated Flagpole Sockets: The flagpole sockets were relocated to align with the new footway limits, creating a more streamlined and organized public space.

  • Christmas Tree Fixing Chamber: A Christmas tree fixing chamber was installed as part of the festive features, ensuring the proper support for holiday decorations during the season.

  • Consolidated Street Furniture: Existing street furniture was reorganized to improve the overall layout, making the area more user-friendly and visually cohesive.

HVM Bollards & Traffic System Changes

  • HVM Bollards: In response to new traffic safety regulations, removable HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) bollards were installed at key locations. These bollards provide an added layer of protection for pedestrians while maintaining access for authorized vehicles.

  • Removal of One-Way Traffic System: The existing one-way traffic system was removed and replaced with an updated system to improve traffic flow and enhance the street layout.

The Castle Hill Upgrade project was designed to create a safer, more attractive, and pedestrian-friendly environment. By upgrading the footway with sawn Yorkstone, installing granite block paving, and enhancing the area with HVM bollards, we have contributed to improving pedestrian safety while maintaining a high-quality streetscape. The project also reflects Pavenet’s commitment to meeting the latest traffic safety standards while promoting a more vibrant and accessible urban space.