Collaboration Keeps London’s Motorways Flowing

“Collaboration is key when it comes to planning and executing roadworks.
Connect Plus Services (CPS) has a 30-year contract to operate and maintain the M25 motorway network on behalf of Highways England. Over the course of the contract, which started in 2009, CPS has built a successful relationship with mastic asphalt manufacturer IKO PLC, Osborne and IKO installing contractor Techjoint Ltd, working together on many projects to keep the motorways running with minimal disruption.

One of these has been a phased project to replace all the cross drainage joints on the Chiswick Flyover – a short elevated section of the M4, and one of the trunk roads off the M25 that comes within the scope of the DBFO – illustrates the importance of this co-operation.

The Chiswick Flyover has been in operation since 1959. Originally built to carry 40,000 vehicles a day, it’s now one of the busiest approaches to London with approximately 100,000 vehicles using it daily. Maintenance is a major challenge, as the flyover forms the last section of the M4 into London before it becomes the A4. Any hold-up or lane closure has a serious effect, particularly in morning and evening rush hour, costing time and money for contractors and users alike.

Replacing the drainage joints meant closing this vital part of the M4, so work was done overnight and the road re-opened for the morning rush hour. IKO Permatrack is delivered by a hot charge vehicle and ready to lay, saving time in each work period. It’s also safer for contractors, removing the need to prepare the material and allowing for faster application. IKO Permatrack cools quickly too, making it easier to meet the morning re-opening target for the road. And because it’s waterproof and resistant to the ‘freeze-thaw’ cycle, repairs are longer lasting.

Maintaining London’s motorways is a continuous process, and the team has already moved onto the next phase, but the proven approach of planning and collaboration means the challenges of each new job should be easily met.”

This article was featured in Highways Magazine in March 2017.