Embankment stabilisation completed at Upper Stanton Road to protect Bath highway
VolkerLaser successfully delivered geotechnical stabilisation works at Upper Stanton Road in Bath, where a collapsing embankment had posed a significant risk to the adjacent highway. Working on behalf of our sister company VolkerHighways, our team completed soil nailing and drainage works to strengthen the bank and future-proof the area.
The full scope of works included comprehensive slope stabilisation across a 130-metre section of Upper Stanton Road, incorporating soil nailing, waterproofing, drainage, and surface reinforcement systems to restore embankment integrity and safeguard the busy highway. Prior to full installation, sacrificial nails were installed and pull-tested to verify ground conditions and confirm design suitability.
Works began with the excavation of crest and toe drains- located at the top of the bank and within the road. Once excavation was complete, the soil nails were drilled and installed, after which our specialist team installed the netting and stainless mesh, folding it into both drainage channels. A 150mm concrete base was poured into the toe drain to embed drainage channels. These were deliberately raised 40mm above road level to accommodate future resurfacing works.
Additional works included the installation of a land drain within the crest drain, lined and backfilled with 20mm clean stone to prevent puncturing and ensure effective water management. In areas where the bank had collapsed, we installed SoluForm bagwork- concrete-filled hessian bags stacked in an overlapping brickwork pattern around the soil nails to reinforce the slope.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project. The team operated from an eco-pod powered by solar energy, reducing fuel consumption significantly- starting at 100% fuel and maintaining 93% efficiency throughout the works.
As part of our commitment to deliver meaningful social value for the local community, we donated 1,000 flower bulbs to replace those removed during the course of the works. In addition, surplus timber was donated to a local business, Liz’s Logs, to help construct a new workshop door - supporting a small enterprise and reducing waste.
The project was completed on schedule in August 2025, delivering a safer, more resilient embankment.
