VolkerLaser finishes A34 Botley interchange ahead of schedule
Earlier this year, VolkerLaser was contracted by MJ Church to deliver essential improvement works on the A34 Botley Interchange in Botley, Oxford.
As part of the National Highways scheme to enhance the safety and reliability of the interchange, our team were required to undertake a series of essential repairs. This included the installation of our Fast Beam access system, parapet replacement, hydro-demolition and an ECI (early contractor involvement) investigation.
To minimise traffic disruption, the team implemented night closures over a seven day period, while the Fast Beam system was being installed. After the installation, normal traffic flow was resumed, with the roundabout restricted to a single lane.
One of the project’s unique challenges was the use of the Fast Beam system. It is usually installed over bridges, however for this project the team had to adapt and modify the system to fit the roundabout. This approach mitigated traffic disruption leaving traffic flow open, while providing a safe working platform for the team.
After the successful installation of the Fast Beam access system, the team cut a chase into the existing concrete and used hydro-demolition to break out any old and damaged concrete from the existing inner and outer cradles of the roundabout. New cradles were installed to reinforce the structure.
During the night closures, the team also undertook ECI works to investigate the bridge structure utilising the Fast Beam platform. This involved excavating sample pits to expose the reinforcing deck, allowing an analysis of the deck’s condition.
Through close collaboration and innovative planning, VolkerLaser was able to combine two schemes for National Highways into one streamlined project, resulting in minimal disruption to the travelling public.
All works were completed four weeks ahead of programme and to budget.
“VolkerLaser performed excellently on the A34 Botley Interchange scheme and worked collaboratively with ourselves and National Highways to deliver a logistically challenging scheme ahead of programme. Their expertise to support our ECI was invaluable to come up with the Fast Beam system solution to deliver the parapet upgrade. The system proved to be significantly beneficial, bridging over utilities that could not be disturbed and enabled the interchange to be re-opened at the close of shift improving journey time for road users. It was a pleasure to work with a proactive and problem-solving team”.
Stuart Clarke South East and Central Regional Manager for MJ Church
