Lower cost, lower carbon: CML’s alternative design for the Haslingden Old Road landslip - CML Civil Engineering

An alternative design to the specified sheet piled wall more than halves the scheme’s carbon output for Lancashire County Council.

Same outcome. Lower cost. Less carbon. That is the result of CML’s engineers rethinking the repair of a major highway landslide on the B6236 Haslingden Old Road.

In January 2025, heavy rain triggered a major landslip on the road, closing a key route between Haslingden, Accrington and Blackburn.

CML’s engineers proposed an alternative to the sheet piled wall originally specified: a reinforced soil retaining wall. The change significantly reduces cost for client Lancashire County Council and more than halves the scheme’s carbon output, without compromising on strength or durability.

Progress on site

Now well advanced, the 7m-high structure includes:

Around 3,000 tonnes of engineering fill
Approximately 1,700 precast concrete facing blocks for a durable, high-quality finish
12 layers of geogrid reinforcement, covering approximately 1,400m², tying the structure together

Council visit

Last week, CML Managing Director Charles Mortimer met County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to see the progress first hand.

Councillor Goldsworthy said: “This has been a complex engineering challenge, but significant progress is being made and we’re on track to complete the works and fully reopen the road by the end of the year.”

Looking ahead

The finish our site team has achieved on this complex structure is excellent, matched by a tidy, safe and well-controlled site. We’re looking forward to seeing the road reopen before the end of the year, which will mean a great deal to the local community who have been inconvenienced while the road has been closed.

Great work, team!

Lancashire County Council Press Release

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