What are Pedestrian Walkways?

Pedestrian walkways can be used for a wide variety of reasons and in many different circumstances. For example, they can be used simply to provide safer and easier access for workers on construction sites, or for something more specific such as an agricultural show. From temporary walkways and car parks through to equine events, there is a type of pedestrian walkway available to suit all manner of requirements. Pedestrian walkways are available as lightweight plastic matting through to heavy duty aluminium tracks that can also provide multi vehicular access.

Safe pedestrian walkways

The Highway Authorities and Utility Committee (HAUC, UK) is crystal clear on the guidance given to contractors where highway work is in progress, stating:

‘Where footways and pedestrian areas are affected by street works and road works, it is your responsibility to make sure that pedestrians passing the works are safe. This means protecting them from both the works and passing traffic’.

HAUC, UK go on to underline that the needs of all pedestrians should be met by providing a safe route, with consideration given to the needs of children, people with pushchairs, wheelchair users as well as those with physically or reduced mobility due to or being visually impaired. The guidelines stipulate a minimum 1m unobstructed width for pedestrian use with a preferred width of 1.2m. Fortunately, pedestrian walkways supplied by TPA generally exceed the guidance in this respect to ensure full compliance. Situations where pedestrian walkways could be used in this sort of setting include:

• Unattended works or sites
• Temporary closure of footways
• Walkways within a carriageway
• Redirecting pedestrians during works
• Temporary walkway due to closure of a footpath

Wider use of pedestrian walkways

Temporary pedestrian walkways provide protection and ease of access for people as well as being an excellent way of preserving the ground. Often used on unmade track or on grass, pedestrian walkways help to reduce the risk of slips and trips as people manoeuvre around an event. Sometimes used as a walkway to and from temporary car parks, they help to prevent the ground becoming boggy underfoot due to a higher than usual footfall. Temporary walkways can also be suitable for small vehicular use and therefore provide a dual purpose, especially important if the delivery of goods is an essential aspect of a particular event.

Sectors served

The versatility of pedestrian walkways is boundless when it come to the vast number of different situations in which they can deployed. Used frequently for outdoor events and shows, they are typically seen at:

• Country fairs
• Stadium events
• Athletic and track events
• Wedding marquees

TPA provide temporary walkways for every event

TPA draws on over two decades of experience to help plan, design and install from a huge range of specialist access solutions, including portable stairways, roadways and walkways. Products particularly suitable for pedestrian walkways include TPA’s Zappmat, Terraguard and the super strong and lightweight LD Mat. From aluminium to plastic temporary trackways, TPA can advise and pick from their vast range of products to suit your project.