The Rossall Coastal Defense Project, the largest of its kind in the last decade in the north of England, commenced in April 2023 and is currently in its second phase.
“ The initial phase allowed the beach to remain open, emphasizing the importance of minimal disruption to the public, and the primary focus now is on implementing a robust sea defense strategy, utilizing Aggregate Industries’ rock armor solution to counter the challenges posed by rising sea levels, which are expected to increase by a further meter over the next 100 years ,” said Aggregate Industries in its latest project update.
This very important project involves the supply of 300,000 tonnes of aggregates to fortify the coastline stretching from Cleveleys to Fleetwood.
The rock armor, composing of three-tonne to 10-tonne rocks, serves as a formidable barrier against erosion.
These colossal rocks, delivered on articulated wagons, are strategically placed to create rock groins that divide the ocean, safeguard the beach, and retain the sand. The size and weight of the rocks necessitate collaboration between contractors and quarries, particularly in the loading and unloading processes, the company said.
The technical intricacies of the project involve extensive testing both at the quarry and on-site.
Balfour Beatty’s technical team assesses the rocks for their weight, density, and interlocking capabilities, with the goal to achieve a perfect blend of rock sizes that will effectively interlock with the groins, forming a cohesive and resilient sea defence structure.