Robust Aluminium Trackway Solution for Historic Wiltshire Church

The Project Brief  

We were recently contracted to provide an aluminium trackway solution for essential repair works to the roof of St George’s Church in Bulford, Wiltshire. The project involved the installation of scaffolding and the use of a 60-tonne mobile crane, requiring careful ground protection across the church grounds. With the church being over 100 years old and the surrounding land in active community use, our client needed an access system that would prevent any damage to the grounds while safely supporting the crane’s load.  

Wiltshire church aluminium trackway installation

Location & Ground Type  

The grounds surrounding St George’s Church are made up of soft, landscaped terrain, ill-suited to the weight and movement of heavy lifting equipment. Following an initial site survey, our team recognised the need for a more robust aluminium trackway solution to ensure stability and ground protection throughout the duration of the works. To address the specific requirements of this project, Project Engineer Jason Hedley specified the use of a double-element, cross-bonded aluminium track configuration. This was combined with additional panels positioned under the crane’s outriggers to reduce flex and spread the load more effectively across the temporary roadway.  

Project Challenges  

The key challenge was ensuring the safe operation of a heavy crane over soft ground with limited space, all while preserving the historic and well-maintained churchyard. Maintaining stability under the crane’s outrigger points required a precise layout using our aluminium track system and close coordination with the crane operator and scaffolding contractor.  

Wiltshire Church restotation

Aluminium Trackway Solution

We successfully installed a combination of 90 aluminium DTH panels, configured in a double-element cross-bonded formation to create both a temporary roadway and a stable crane pad. Our aluminium trackway solution enabled safe access to the worksite and effective lifting operations without compromising the integrity of the church grounds. This project is a proud example of our ability to support heritage and conservation sites with tailored ground protection systems. We’re pleased to add historic and religious buildings to the growing list of sectors we’re equipped to serve with our aluminium track solutions. 

“We used Davis Trackhire to provide a level surface for the crane to be set up on, whilst we were installing a Temporary roof. From a detailed and informative site visit, where we were advised on suitable track mats to be installed, to the quick and professional installation and subsequent removal, we were extremely happy with the service and would highly recommend.”
– CR, Senior Contracts Manager