We like abutments and we cannot lie…
Concrete progress, one shovel at a time
This week more concrete works on the North Portsea slipway were completed, with only one small section to be completed early next week. The most technically challenging section – the “foot” of the slipway, which sits underwater at high tide – has been successfully poured and cured during low tide windows.
Our team has now focused on finishing the abutment, which connects the slipway to the Portsbridge Roundabout car park (which is actually a bridge, hence the name Portsbridge). This final section sits on a steep slope and includes a subtle curve, requiring a more hands-on approach. Concrete is being added shovel by shovel, carefully distributed over reinforced steel and smoothed into its final shape – the image shows the concrete being poured into the shovel, with our team in the background, ready to distribute it.
No rain, no rainbows…
Planned weekend work
As summer draws to a close, recent heavy rainfalls have certainly refreshed the area, clearing dust and providing much-needed water for the surrounding grass and planting.
However, the wet conditions have posed challenges for our ongoing earthworks. Our site team has braved the elements on several occasions, and while it’s all part of the job, it has impacted progress on the embankment.
To maintain momentum and stay on track for completing the major engineering works by the end of the year, our team will be carrying out some weekend working over the coming weeks – weather permitting. This will focus on carefully layering and shaping the new embankment, which requires dry and stable conditions.
Please rest assured – this will not involve any noisy rock-breaking activities. You may notice machinery on site moving and placing soil, but there’s no cause for concern. It’s simply our dedicated groundworkers making the most of the weather windows and putting in extra hours to keep the programme moving forward.
Clearing the way…
Preparation work for habitat improvements begin
As shared in previous newsletters, we’re now preparing to begin improvement works on the Hilsea Lines moat – a project designed to enhance water quality, preserve this historic feature, and support the rich biodiversity in the area.
The first phase of work is scheduled to begin week commencing 22nd September, starting with minor vegetation clearance. This will include trimming overgrown areas, removing fallen or collapsing trees, and light pruning to allow safe access to the moat. These are not major works, and no path closures are expected, though you may notice activity in the area as you walk through.
This is an important early step in a longer-term plan to protect and improve this much-loved local habitat. We’ll continue to keep you updated as the project progresses.
End of summer roadshow
Thank you for coming
This week marked our final ‘summer’ roadshow event in collaboration with the Southsea Coastal Scheme. Thank you to everyone who braved the very rainy weather and came along, spoke with us, and most importantly, took the time to listen to the latest updates on the project.
We were especially pleased to share details about the many environmental improvements and considerations that have shaped the work at every stage.
If you caught a bit of the Shantymen’s performance at the Gaiety Bar, we hope you enjoyed the sea shanty ambience, a fitting way to celebrate our shared successes.
If you don’t already follow us on social media, now’s a great time to join us for more updates from site, especially the “small things” happening at Ports Creek that make a big difference.
