M6 J26/27 Resurfacing, Gathurst, Lancashire

Inlays consisted of 50mm on lanes 1, 2 and 3 – with 110mm depth inlay patches for the induction loops.

The project scope

With DSD Construction acting as subcontractor, this scheme comprised of resurfacing works on a section of the M6 between J26 and J27, consisting of 50mm depth inlay patching on lanes 1,2 and 3 – with 110mm depth inlay patches for traffic induction loop installation.

Our scope of work included:

• Communication and coordination with National Highways Traffic Management partners.
• Planing out 6,300t of original carriageway.
• Re-laying the carriageway to depths of 50mm and 110mm using various PSV specifications.
• Coordination with other National Highways contractors carrying out works at the site including Premier Road Markings, GVA for verge works, MSF for street furniture and Octavius (who were the Principal Contractor).

Key quantities:

• Warm mixed AC32 Base: 450 t
• Warm mixed AC20 Binder Limestone: 540 t
• Warm mixed AC20 Binder Hardstone: 580 t

Challenges & successes

The work was delivered at night using short working windows, with the motorway needing to be reopened on time each morning for the commuter run.

The use of a safety lane and running lanes extended the duration of the project, but our resource planning and productivity outputs ensured the schedule was maintained.

Unpredictable weather (specifically rain) and emergency repair works nearby caused road space bookings to change at short notice and preclude access. This caused delays, meaning that our pre-prepared contingency plans had to be enacted to maintain schedule, including the deployment of additional labour and plant and mobilisation of additional material suppliers.

The construction works were delivered on time and to extremely high standards.