Burroughs worked on behalf of Cardiff Council to develop the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and obtain Full-SAB Approval for the Roath Recreational Ground active travel route.

The project focused on creating a segregated active travel route, improving pedestrian access, and mitigating historic flooding issues around Roath Library.

A key objective was to promote sustainable and active travel whilst implementing sustainable drainage solutions.

The project presented several key challenges:

Managing Surface Water Runoff:

The need to effectively manage surface water runoff from the new active travel route and surrounding areas, especially during severe storm events.

Integrating SuDS into Existing Infrastructure: Retrofitting SuDS features into existing infrastructure, including carriageway narrowing islands required careful planning and design.

Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics:

The SuDS design needed to be functional and effective while also complementing the surrounding landscape and enhancing the recreational area.

BURROUGHS IMPLEMENTED A RANGE OF INNOVATIVE SUDS SOLUTIONS:

• Shallow Conveyance Swales: These swales were strategically placed to intercept, treat, and attenuate runoff at its source along the active travel route. This approach allowed for natural infiltration and reduced the burden on traditional drainage systems.
• Check Dams: Check dams were incorporated along the swales to control water volumes during periods of heavy rainfall, further mitigating flood risk.
• Bespoke Retrofit Raingardens: Burroughs designed custom raingarden features to treat and attenuate carriageway runoff at source. These designs were fully coordinated amongst a dense network of existing services in the area.
• Below Ground Cellular Attenuation Crate System: Adjacent to Roath Library, Burroughs designed a below-ground cellular attenuation crate system. This tank stores large volumes of surface water runoff, improving the historic flooding issues around Roath Library car park and junction following severe rainfall events.
• Collaboration with The Urbanists: Burroughs worked closely with The Urbanists to ensure that landscaping and planting proposals complemented the SuDS design, creating an integrated and aesthetically pleasing environment.

PROJECT OUTCOME HAS DELIVERED SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS:

Effective Surface Water Management: The implemented SuDS features effectively manage surface water runoff, reducing flood risk and promoting natural infiltration.

Enhanced Active Travel Infrastructure: The segregated active travel route provides a safe and sustainable alternative for commuting and recreation, encouraging active lifestyles.

Environmental Enhancement: The integrated landscaping and planting, combined with the SuDS features, have created a more attractive

and environmentally friendly public space that promotes sustainable transport.

Future Connectivity: The improvements within Roath Recreation Ground and Ninian Road lay the groundwork for future connections to other cycle routes, promoting wider sustainable travel options.