RADIX Screw Pile Foundations for Temporary Bridge – Celtic Lakes, Newport (Phase Two of Two)

Overview

Replicating success under increased ground and weather challenges

This project formed Phase Two of the Celtic Lakes temporary access works, delivered alongside Beaver Bridges for a National Grid scheme. Located a few hundred metres from the first bridge, the second installation followed the same structural and foundation design, supporting a temporary bridge required for ongoing infrastructure access.

The site remained within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), meaning environmental protection and reversibility were still critical. However, conditions were notably worse during this phase, with persistent rainfall leading to significantly wetter ground and more challenging working conditions.

Despite this, the requirement remained unchanged: deliver a reliable temporary bridge foundation capable of supporting heavy machinery, without causing long-term damage to the site.

Solution

Proactive planning eliminates delays and maintains programme momentum

RADIX installed screw pile foundations identical in specification to Phase One, supporting the second temporary bridge system. The works were carried out efficiently despite saturated ground conditions, maintaining the same high standard of installation and performance.

A key moment on this project came before installation began. The track machine initially supplied was fitted with steel tracks, which posed a risk when traversing the already installed bridge structure. Drawing on experience from similar works, the RADIX team identified this issue early and recognised that rubber tracks were essential to safely cross the bridge without causing damage.

Rather than reacting to the issue later, the team pre-emptively arranged for rubber tracks to be fitted before the machine needed to cross. This foresight ensured:

• No damage to the bridge structure
• No delays to programme
• Continued safe and efficient operation

This proactive approach meant installation could proceed without interruption, even as ground conditions worsened due to ongoing rainfall. As with Phase One, the works were completed efficiently and ahead of schedule, with the client fully satisfied with delivery.

Sustainability & Environmental Benefits

Repeatable, low-impact solutions for sensitive environments

As with the first bridge, the SSSI designation required a foundation solution that avoided permanent ground disturbance. RADIX screw piles again proved to be the optimal choice:

• No excavation or ground removal, preserving natural soil structure 
• Fully removable foundations, allowing the site to return to its original condition 
• Minimal plant movements, reducing environmental impact in wet conditions 
• Low surface disturbance, even in saturated ground 

The repeatability of the solution across both phases demonstrates how RADIX can deliver consistent, low-impact outcomes on environmentally sensitive sites, even as conditions change.

Phase Two reinforced the success of the initial installation, demonstrating that RADIX solutions are not only effective, but repeatable, adaptable, and reliable under pressure.