Groundworks for EV Charging Infrastructure
Client: O&O Electrical and Evie Chargers
Project: Groundworks for EV Charging Infrastructure
Department: Highways and Engineering
Date of completion: July 2024
Budget: £26,000
Background:
This case study explores the installation of ducting and concrete bases to support electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for O&O Electrical and Evie Chargers of Oxford. The project involved multiple public sites with high traffic, necessitating meticulous planning to ensure safety, minimise disruption, and execute efficiently within a defined budget. ODS collaborated closely with the clients to meet tight deadlines and deliver a sustainable solution for the rapidly growing EV sector.
Requirements:
The project required installing durable ducting for electrical connections and concrete bases for EV charging stations and line and bay painting at multiple locations, including Bampton Fire Station, Goring Fire Station, Thames Fire Station, Redlands Daytime Support in Banbury and St. Christopher’s Primary School in Oxford. Tailored logistical approaches to accommodate the specific operational and environmental requirements for each site.
Challenges:
Active Public Spaces: Heavily trafficked sites by pedestrians and vehicles, this required the implementation of robust safety measures during construction.
Varying Ground Conditions: Excavations had to contend with diverse ground conditions including, soft verges, asphalt surfaces, and undergrounds utilities and tree roots, which required careful handling to avoid damage.
Site-Specific Logistics: Coordination was needed to maintain essential operations, such as emergency access at fire stations and undisturbed schedules for school and day center activities.
Solution:
To ensure the project was delivered efficiently and safely, ODS implemented a series of tailored solutions. Public safety was prioritised with the deployment of Chapter 8 signage and barriers to clearly mark construction zones and direct pedestrians and vehicles away from machinery and excavations. In sensitive areas, hand-dug excavation techniques minimised risks to underground infrastructure and tree roots, while asphalt reinstatement was reinforced with overbanding to enhance durability and prevent water ingress. Operational coordination was streamlined through the provision of welfare facilities at each site and tailored daily schedules that maintained emergency access and accommodated local needs. Temporary fencing was used to secure construction zones and materials, ensuring smooth and safe project execution.
Results:
The project was successfully completed across all six locations, delivering robust infrastructure for EV chargers while preserving public safety and site functionality. Flexible planning and adaptive solutions enabled seamless integration of the new installations within busy, operational public areas. The collaboration between O&O and Evie Chargers ensured the project remained within budget, providing a cost-effective solution to support the transition to electric vehicle usage.
Client Testimonial:
"Over the years, we have consistently relied on ODS for a wide range of projects, and they have never failed to deliver exceptional services. Their expertise and professionalism in excavating and ducting across various ground types and challenging locations- such as tree roots, utility services, and areas with vulnerable individuals- has been invaluable to us.
In addition, we have also used their line painting services, which have consistently provided clear, precise markings that are both highly visible and remarkably durable. This has proven to be an asset, ensuring that our sites remain safe and well-organised.
The teams at ODS are always professional, diligent and considerate of the public. They take great care to leave each site safe, clean, and secure at the end of the day. We have repeatedly utilised their services and will continue to do so with the utmost confidence."
