High-Volume Night Works on the M4

Key Facts

Region Berkshire
Project M4 East Bound carriageway between junctions 13 & 12, Frilsham & Tidmarsh Carriageway Resurfacing
Client Associated Asphalt Contracting Ltd
Duration 3 months (June to August 2025)
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The Project

Associated Asphalt Contracting Ltd undertook the resurfacing of 12km of the M4 Eastbound carriageway between Junctions 13 and 12. Delivered in two phases, the works were carried out exclusively during night-time hours (22:00–05:00) to minimise disruption on this major motorway route. Jet typically had a three-hour planing window to allow the surfacing operation sufficient time for the laying and curing of the new material, time for the application of the new white lines and the removal of the traffic management, carriageway closure before the strict morning deadline.

The scope included sections of all four lanes, including the main carriageway and hard shoulder, with planing depths up to 100mm deep. To accelerate delivery, the project deployed dual planing and surfacing gangs working in echelon, effectively doubling nightly output.

The Approach

Jet was appointed to deliver all planing services and support equipment for the works.

Recognising the scale and complexity of the nightly logistics, Jet took a proactive approach, engaging its operatives and supply chain well ahead of mobilisation.

Each shift required a significant volume of equipment and coordination, with careful planning to avoid bottlenecks and ensure seamless execution. Timing was essential to ensure the project was completed on track. Jet’s external suppliers of tippers & sweepers played a vital role in the success of the project, demonstrating their commitment, reliability and professionalism.

Jet’s Contracts Manager worked closely with Associated Asphalt delivery team to align resources and maintain momentum throughout the whole programme.

The Results

Over the course of the project, Jet planed out and transported approximately 21,000 tonnes of material for recycling or reuse.

A typical night’s resource supplied by Jet included:

  • 2x 2.2m Wirtgen planers (each with a 3-man crew and low loader transport)

  • 1x 0.35m Wirtgen planer

  • 3x road sweepers, fitted with all the latest safety devices

  • 2x operated water bowsers

  • 3x banksmen

  • Up to 30× tippers for haulage of planed material

Jet’s ability to scale up and adapt to the demands of this high-output programme was key to its success, supporting Associated Asphalt in maintaining pace and quality across the full stretch of works.

Jet were fantastic partners throughout the project. They approached every challenge with a positive, can-do attitude and never once complained about the large tonnages we needed removed within a very restricted working window. Their honesty, collaboration, and commitment helped us achieve excellent outputs. The quality and reliability of their equipment were outstanding, and I’d have no hesitation in working with them again on future schemes

Associated Asphalt – Area Manager PDF