Manchester Airport - PP46 Airside Bussing

Following completion of a number of work packages contributing to the delivery of Terminal 2 as part of the MAN-TP Programme, Bethell were invited to participate in ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) discussions to deliver the airside bussing facility.

Executive Summary- This project underwent the ECI process with consultation of the nominated subcontractor, which involved engaging with the client and suggesting alternatives to the original concept design. Bethell had active input into the attenuation and the depth of construction on the concreate pavement. We contributed to the install of services, suggesting and adopting directional drilling in preference to open cut through a busy road and under existing services.

Scope of works- This project involved the provision of a new welfare facility for airside bus personnel, which required:

• Provision of parking spaces for 40 no. busses for airfield operations
• Road modifications to connect bus parking to the airfield road network.
• Provision of new bus drivers’ facility for approximately 50 no. personnel, comprising of:
  
  
  • Locker room
  • Kitchenette
  • Rest room
  • Toilet block
  • Radio Control Station
• Infrastructure modifications to supply new bus parking, comprising of:
  
  
  • Electrical power supply
  • Water
  • Drainage
  • Fire main
  • Comms
  • MAG network
• High Mast Lighting sufficient to cover entire parking area.
• Pedestrian route to the Pier 1 link
• CP fence
• Earth works to tie in with airfield road and PP33 CP levels

The works involved required the following:

• Site clearance: Over the duration of the entire project footprint, we were required to remove vegetation, knee rail fencing and existing car park construction within the proposed development area - which had historically been used as a staff car park.
• GPR & Trial holes to verify existing services: As the main gas supply, which ran between Terminal 2 and the business park, crossed the work site, we were required to cover the gas line with the proposed concrete construction. To ensure safe access was maintained once the scheme was complete, Bethell amended the vertical alignment of the main gas line. Other services which were identified within the project footprint included comms, LV electric, foul drainage and surface water drainage.
• Modification to existing medium pressure gas main: This was undertaken by Bethell Utility Services' in-house professionals and involved the installation of a temporary by-pass to maintain flow and the re-configuration of the vertical alignment.
• Installation of storm water attenuation system: As part of the works involved, we were required to install a surface water attenuation system to attenuate rainfall, for release at an acceptable discharge rate. We achieved this by installing 900mm diameter concrete pipes, both interconnected and outfalling, through a common discharge line.
• Mass concrete ring beam for CP fence: The area to be developed was classed as “landside”, which meant it was open to the public. The boundary of the completed scheme would need to be Critical Part (CP) fencing, a specific security fence for defining the line between the landside and airside areas. As part of the fence construction, a concrete ring beam was implemented.
• Concrete surface: 6200m² of concrete was laid to achieve the finished surface between the existing apron and the newly installed concrete ring beam. The concrete bays were laid to falls, complete with construction joints, expansion joints and incorporated drainage.
• CCTV: Security cameras located at the corners of the building and in the adjacent car park ensured full effective coverage of the installation site.
• Exterior lighting: Lighting to the building was supplemented by the upgrade of lanterns to existing high mast lights.
• Fencing: MAG and Greater Manchester Police agreed on a co-ordinated programme to systematically remove the temporary CP fence to continue to allow the area to be classified as airside.
• Pedestrian route: The works involved the installation of a footway, signage and associated road markings, which included a zebra pedestrian crossing.

Conclusion- The project was delivered successfully on time, fully meeting the client's specification. There were no delays in delivery, despite the works taking place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The project showcased our ongoing success with the Manchester Airport Civil Engineering Framework. Co-location played a key part of collaborative work with MAG Group, where we now have a permanent established office on site.