The Project
When the M3 southbound carriage between Junction 5 and Junction 6 at Mapledurwell in Hampshire was prioritised for resurfacing works, Highways England needed to ensure minimum disruption to road users.
This stretch of motorway forms part of a very busy network and the objective was to safely deliver all resurfacing works in just one night. At the time it held the record for the most tonnage laid in a single shift in the Highways England Area 3.
Aggregate Industries took on the challenge, with support from long-term planing services partner, Jet Plant. The two companies have worked together on all work in Area 3 for around 15 years, showcasing Jet Plant’s expertise in the South East as part of a regional network with nationwide coverage.
The Approach
The project was split into phases, with targets set for the number of lorries that needed to be filled and off-site each hour in order to meet the short deadline.
Jet Plant used two 2m planers, each with three operators and a banksman to ensure correct operation and safety. As with all of Jet Plant’s work, safety was the priority and the short deadline only enhanced this. Clear and regular communication between Jet Plant, Aggregate Industries, main contractor Kier and end customer Highways England was essential throughout the works, including planning stages.
The Results
Thanks to the planning and site standards put in place, Jet Plant successfully planed 1,595 tonnes in the night to enable 6,790m2 of motorway to be surfaced, white lines reinstated and reopened in time for commuter traffic the next morning. All work was done on time, to the highest possible standards and in the safest way for everyone on site.
Alongside closure optimisation and the creation of a safer working environment, one of the project objectives was to develop sustainable solutions to minimise carbon footprint and drive cost efficiencies.
In total, 86% of planings were sent for recycling at Aggregate Industries’ Heathrow and Greenwich Plants, saving 27 lorries during construction which resulted in carbon and transport savings of around £14,000.