Engineering an Inclusive Community
As a leader in sustainable infrastructure, IPL group is committed to delivering solutions that not only meet technical specifications but also enhance the quality of life within communities. In a recent project with Offaly County Council, we were presented with a unique challenge: to provide a safe and accessible road crossing for a wheelchair user, without compromising the safety of visually impaired pedestrians.
The situation involved a home located across the road from local amenities, where a wheelchair user had to travel a significant distance to the nearest zebra crossing. The most logical solution was to create a direct crossing by maintaining the path and road at the same level, eliminating the kerb. This, however, created a potential hazard for the visually impaired, as the loss of the kerb-line removed a critical tactile warning.
The Flexi-tact Corduroy Solution
To provide a simple yet comprehensive solution, IPL group utilised the expertise of our partner i-glo, and installed the Flexi-tact Corduroy Warning Surface Tactile. The purpose of the Corduroy tactile is to provide a clear and detectable warning to visually impaired people of the presence of specific hazards, such as the approach to a level crossing or a kerb-free environment.
This innovative approach provided the ideal balance between accessibility and safety. The Flexi-tact Corduroy system allowed for a seamless, kerb-free crossing for the wheelchair user while creating a vital tactile warning surface that could be detected underfoot or with a cane, protecting other road users from potential danger.
Efficiency and Expertise in Action
The benefits of using the Flexi-tact system extend beyond its immediate safety application. As a surface-mounted tactile, it is a glue-down solution that requires no civil work or excavation. This significantly reduces both installation time and project costs, making it up to 66% more cost-effective than comparative concrete tactiles.
The project served as a perfect opportunity for IPL group’s in-house installation services, Omni Instruments, to benefit from expert guidance. The installation was a joint effort with i-glo’s specialist installers, serving as a valuable training exercise to ensure the project was completed to the highest standard possible and to further upskill our own team.
Consultancy & Supplier Services
With decades of experience at the forefront of infrastructure design, IPL group is increasingly becoming the go-to partner for complex accessibility and planning challenges. Our expertise allows us to provide specialist consultancy and supplier services, ensuring your next project is delivered with the highest levels of quality and efficiency. We can assist with everything from initial planning and product selection to full project management.
To discuss your next project with our team of experts, please contact us on 041 983 2591.
Delivering Expertly Vetted Solutions
By delivering a solution that was not only highly functional and cost-effective but also compassionate and inclusive, IPL group reinforced its position as a trusted industry expert. Our ability to collaborate with partners like i-glo and apply intelligent products to solve real-world problems demonstrates our commitment to engineering sustainable and accessible infrastructure for all.
