Client: Highways Improvement Scheme (Competitive Tender)
Contractor: Devon Tree Services
Location: Adjacent to the A382, South West England
Project Overview
Following a competitive tender process, Devon Tree Services were appointed to undertake tree removal, stump grinding, and large-scale scrub clearance works adjacent to the A382 as part of a major highways improvement scheme.
The project required detailed planning, high-level health and safety management, and precise coordination due to the constraints of working alongside a live highway.
The Challenge
Working adjacent to a primary A-road introduced several operational constraints:
- Limited working windows
- Live traffic environment
- Night working requirements
- Strict highway safety compliance
- Coordination with traffic management
- Restricted access for plant and machinery
Careful planning was essential to ensure works were delivered efficiently without disrupting the wider highways programme.
Planning & Management
The works were organised and overseen by our Operations Manager, with strategic input from our Estimator during the pre-construction phase.
Key considerations included:
- Detailed risk assessments and method statements
- Traffic management coordination
- Phased delivery to align with highway restrictions
- Night working logistics and lighting setup
- Environmental considerations
All works were scheduled around highway limitations to ensure compliance and safety at every stage.
Night Operations
Due to traffic constraints, a significant portion of the works had to be undertaken at night.
Operations were carried out under specialist spot lighting, allowing our team to work:
- Swiftly
- Safely
- With minimal disruption to road users
Our experienced operatives maintained high safety standards throughout, ensuring both workforce and public protection.
Specialist Equipment Utilised
To deliver the works efficiently, we deployed our specialist machinery:
Large Stump Grinding
- Undertaken using our Predator large stump grinder
- Enabled rapid removal of substantial root systems
- Reduced follow-on programme delays for groundworks
Scrub Clearance
- Completed using our Robo Flail
- Ideal for steep and restricted areas
- Increased productivity while reducing manual handling risk
This mechanised approach improved safety, reduced programme duration, and ensured consistent quality.
Traffic Management
Devon Tree Services organised and coordinated the required traffic management for the works, ensuring:
- Safe separation between workforce and live traffic
- Compliance with highways regulations
- Seamless integration with the wider improvement scheme
Health & Safety
High levels of health and safety were maintained throughout the project. Working in proximity to live highways demands disciplined site control, experienced operatives, and robust planning.
The works were completed safely, on programme, and in full compliance with highway requirements.
Outcome
- All tree removal and clearance works completed successfully
- Delivered within programme constraints
- Night works executed safely and efficiently
- Specialist machinery maximised productivity
- Traffic management fully coordinated
Devon Tree Services demonstrated its capability to deliver complex infrastructure-related vegetation clearance works across the South West.
