School Pathway Through RPA

A pedestrian pathway installed at a school using the RootBridge panel system, providing an effective solution for creating a continuous route through a Root Protection Area on sloping ground. The site presented a moderate gradient with uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for traditional surface treatments that would require excavation and ground compaction.

To address this, the RootBridge was chosen for its ease of installation and minimal impact on tree roots. Each panel here measures 1.8m x 2m and bolts together to form a stable, elevated structure. This large panel size reduces the number of supports needed, with groundscrews installed at 2-metre intervals to securely anchor the pathway whilst minimizing disturbance on the soil or root system. The modular design allowed a quick installation and creates a continuous walking surface without altering the natural ground conditions.

A handrail was bolted directly to the sides of the RootBridge panels, and the finished structure was topped with a tarmac surface to provide a durable, low-maintenance finish suitable for pedestrian use. The combination of large-format panels, minimal support requirements, and straightforward assembly made installation fast and efficient, with clear advantages in terms of both tree protection and project delivery.

All works were carried out in accordance with BS 5837.