M6 renewal, junctions 34-36

Client: Highways Agency

General Scope
This major renewal scheme on the M6 near Carnforth, Lancashire, encompassed works to 10km of northbound and 9km of southbound carriageway between junctions 34 and 36.

Main activities included major repairs to 13 structures, carriageway and slip road reconstruction, and major traffic management installations. Ancillary works included replacement of safety fencing, drainage repairs, renewal of communication cable and CCTV installation.

The Programme of works consisted of 21 separate Traffic Management phases and contained critical milestone dates which had to be met to allow the carriageway to be reopened for Christmas, Easter, and Bank Holidays.

Dates: October 2003 – November 2005

Form of contract:  EEC Option A

Value: £7,403,000

Innovation:

• Integrated Client - Contractor site offices to facilitate a single team ethos
• Hardstaff barriers to maximise lane availability and maintain workforce safety
• Mobile Variable Message Signs (VMS) providing real-time updates to motorists
• Night time lane closures during critical phases, mitigating the need for contraflow TM and reducing disruption to traffic flows at peak times
• Cantilevered scaffold platform instead of “birdcage” scaffolding to undertake works underneath structures; significantly improving productivity

Public interface:

• Dedicated Liaison Officer
• Establishment of a stakeholder contact list and requirements schedule
• News letters and mail drops
• Local and national radio bulletins
• Strategic Advance Signage to enable motorists to make informed decisions
• Use of Matrix signs, to keep the travelling public informed
• Notices posted in service areas

Sustainability:

• Site waste management strategy implemented
• Major proportion of asphalt planings re-used on-site to form barrier, compound and lay-down hard standings. Remainder recycled locally.
• Use of local suppliers whenever possible to reduce congestion, transport movements, fuel usage and support the local economy
• Establishment of designated site refuelling zones

Achievements:

• Scheme delivered within one percent of the original project budget
• No reportable accidents or incidents to site workforce
• All 21 traffic management phases delivered on time
• Considerate Constructors Score 36 out of 40
• Project Sponsor’s Performance Report Stated - “Sympathetic understanding of the HA customers requirements in minimising delays and disruptions”