Colas successfully complete first phase of M6 safety barrier replacement ahead of schedule

Colas, working on the £1.7 million Hackthorpe central reservation safety barrier replacement project, as part of the National Highways six-year Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) have completed works on the first phase of the scheme ahead of schedule.

The project was subject to delays before work commenced, so Colas collaborated with National Highways to find a suitable solution to minimise delay and disruption to road users. The project, located between Hackthorpe bridge and Tinklers Lane bridge, was divided into two manageable phases; the Southbound carriageway, due for completion before Christmas, and the Northbound carriageway, to be completed in March 2023.

The new construction programme meant the overall project duration was reduced by using alternative traffic management, and with the work taking place over 24-hours under lane closures. Both of these measures led to a shorter overall duration for the works, and increased safety for the teams on site. The Southbound section completed ahead of schedule prior to Christmas and saw VRS concrete footings replaced along a two-mile section of road between J39-40 of the M6.

In addition to the amended programme, the team also used ground penetrating radar and improved their efficiency by locating and pegging services before breaking ground. This initiative also contributed to the overall reduction in the timescale of this first phase of the project.

In line with National Highways and Colas' goal of carbon reduction, the installation of the Safe Road Megarail EP system minimised the amount of concrete required reducing carbon emissions from plant activity on the site.

Mark Mosley, Project Manager at National Highways, said: “The Hackthorpe central reservation safety barrier replacement project showed just how important good collaboration is in order to improve customer experience. Through the innovative use of overnight working hours, the crew were able to minimise the length of the works and finish ahead of schedule. It was a great team effort that resulted in minimal impact on road users.”
ENDS