The highways challenge
Highways projects are never straightforward: whether it’s emergency utility repairs, drainage installation or major carriageway upgrades, project managers face the constant challenge of keeping traffic flowing while delivering works safely and on time. These challenges are often exacerbated by the need to commit to predictable outcomes for installations and removal of equipment. Such requirements often include the implementation of overnight or weekend work.
Groundforce Shorco: a single source for all your project needs:
From one point of contact, Groundforce Shorco provides the tools, technical support and rapid response needed to make your highways project run smoothly, from initial planning to on-site delivery and decommissioning.
How Groundforce Shorco can help
Groundforce Shorco supports highways projects across the UK with a complete temporary works service, from lightweight Trench Boxes and Backhoe Boxes to Hydraulic Bracing, such as Waler Frames and Double Acting systems.
Also available is a range of lightweight boxes including MAP Boxes and Quick Access Boxes for super quick installation and removal. For heavy duty projects, Manhole Boxes up to 5m are available as well as Groundforce’s Mega and Super Mega Brace frames.
- Full support, including project design is given to include various options, calculations and clear drawings to support TWC/TWS requirements.
- A network of nationwide depots ensures equipment arrives on-site in a timely fashion by using advanced traffic and logistics management.
- Available 24/7, YourSolution is an advanced online platform which allows access to Groundforce’s standard excavation solutions by generating a unique design specific to your project.
Safety and compliance
Delivering projects on time should not be at the expense of safety and compliance: Groundforce Shorco ensures works are managed under CDM, aligned with BS 5975, to ensure they are designed, constructed and dismantled safely and effectively in line with current legislation.
Other key deliverables for highways:
SafePlate Road Plates: Composite steel-reinforced covers allowing vehicles up to 44 tonnes to safely cross trenches up to 700mm wide; ideal for overnight reinstatements, service crossings and emergency repairs.
Sheet Piling: Steel sheeting to manage ground and water pressure where works run close to live traffic: a range of Trench Sheets and Piling Accessories are available.
Excavation support options at a glance
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Excavation Type / Condition
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Recommended Solution
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Key Benefits
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Short, narrow crossings (<700 mm)
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SafePlate / road plates / centre lift road plates
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Keeps traffic moving, HGV-rated, reusable
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Linear service trenches (≤5 m depth)
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Trench Boxes
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Fast install/removal, safe for utilities/drainage
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Square/rectangular pits, culverts, bridge abutments
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Hydraulic bracing frames
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Modular, scalable to depth/span, handles adjacent loads
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Deep/irregular excavations
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Sheet Piles + hydraulic support
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Controls water/ground pressure, suitable near live traffic
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Driving certainty, keeping roads open…
By combining proven equipment with responsive design and nationwide support, Groundforce Shorco helps highways teams deliver safely, keep traffic moving, and protect programme outcomes. Whether you’re planning a utility crossing or managing a major highways upgrade, contact our experts today to begin your journey with us…