Over the summer, a series of trial holes were dug in locations around the centre of Ashbourne. The results have been passed to designers to inform detailed design and planning for Ashbourne Reborn ahead of the main construction works, which are expected to begin by the end of this year. The minor ground investigations involved digging test pits and trenches to check the following:
- The majority of trial holes confirmed the position and depth of utilities. This will be shared with utility companies to determine if diversion or protection works are required during construction.
- A number of ‘test patches’ of pavement reinstatement and rehabilitation will confirm the right working procedures for materials to be used in the Market Place and Victoria Square. This is required as a condition of the planning consent to protect the Grade II listed status of the surfaces.
- A final set of trial holes confirmed the existing construction of different areas and depths of substructures such as bridge decks or cellars.
Led by the County Council, this work is part of the Highways and Public Realm project within the Ashbourne Reborn programme. Residents and businesses can find out more about the design and timing of works at a series public engagement sessions to be held in Ashbourne in the autumn – details will be announced soon on the Ashbourne Reborn website, social media channels and free email newsletter.
