Scheme Delivery Framework
In 2021, VolkerLaser was selected as a supply chain partner by National Highways to carry out upto £3.6 billion worth of renewals, as part of the Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF).
Midlands
Forming a key part of this framework are the works at Oldbury on schemes P80 and R181.
Following on from a series of successful projects on the M5 motorway in Oldbury, we maintained our original site compound, enabling a seamless transition into the SDF contracts in Area 9.
The P80 project is valued at circa £10 million and involves the repair of 12 bents on the M5 motorway. The bents are cross-beams, which are integral to a structure and allow for load distribution.
The full scope of works included structural concrete repairs to the bents, installation of a new impressed current cathodic protection system, installation of new permanent drainage beneath the deck ends, the refurbishment and painting of I-beams-ends and bearings, and the application of mastic joints around the bearings.
The work location stretches across 250 metres of the motorway and due to certain areas being situated above a canal, various forms of temporary works were required for access, including scaffolding and approximately 4500m² of V-Deck™, our innovative under-deck access system. Both the scaffolding and V-Deck™ systems were installed to follow the profile of the deck above, which provides a natural fall to one side of the motorway. By using V-Deck™, the system not only provided safe access for operatives to the necessary working areas, but it also allowed the canal beneath to remain open to users throughout the works.
Once the installation of all access systems was completed, enabling works commenced. This phase included the installation of temporary lighting and power, asbestos surveys and protection works to the I-beams. Each access platform was also fully encapsulated ahead of hydro-demolition works to ensure the watercourse below was protected from the risk of contamination.
During the hydro-demolition phase, puddle pumps were set up in a bund directly underneath each bent, which pumped any excess water down to ground level into a silt buster. This was then safely stored until it could be removed from site by Tardis Environmental.
Alongside the P80 project, we are also running the R181 scheme from the same site compound. This scheme, valued at circa £3.5 million, includes the same scope of work, repairing two bents elsewhere on the M5 network.
Both schemes are expected to be completed by November 2025.
South
As part of the framework, our teams working in the south have completed a number of projects already, as well as managing many ongoing contracts.
Extensive concrete repairs and cathodic protection works to the M3 Hackwood Road Bridge were completed at the end of 2023.
The team carried out continuity and half-cell tests that revealed weak areas within the bridge’s steel rebar, which were resolved by adding sacrificial galvanised anodes to the perimeter of all repair section areas. The installation of these anodes, aims to ensure that any future corrosion primarily affects the anodes rather than the steel structure itself, enhancing its long-term durability.
The bridge required repairs as it had suffered damage caused by water ingress, resulting in corrosion and deterioration. Some top sections of the west side of the bridge experienced section losses due to corrosion affecting the steel rebar and required the corroded steel to be replaced.
After completing further assessments, the team implemented encapsulated scaffolding to minimise disruption to live traffic and ensure the safe disposal of site waste materials, before using hydro-demolition to break out the affected areas.
Once this was completed, the team prepared the area by using Fosroc Renderoc DS spraying mortar, or HB40 hand repair, where access was limited. Each phase of repairs lasted approximately two weeks, involving break out, continuity tests, anode installation, area preparation, spraying, and a minimum three-day curing period before moving to the next section. This process was repeated throughout all sections, ensuring a comprehensive restoration of the entire structure.
Similar works were also successfully completed to the M3 Tower Hill Bridge.
Ongoing projects include the M4 Welford Viaduct. Located between junctions 13 and 14 of the M4, adjacent to the River Lambourne, we’ve been contracted to undertake works to revitalise key elements of the bridge’s structure for enhanced safety and longevity.
Works began in October 2023, and are being undertaken across four phases, with early stages involving crucial preparatory works, including vegetation clearance, site setup, and the implementation of traffic management. Further temporary works, such as the installation of V-Deck™ and a variety of scaffold applications to provide under-deck access, covering the width underneath the east expansion joint and formworks under the main concrete repair section. This set the groundwork for the subsequent refurbishment activities.
Recently the project entered its third phase, the team are now focussing on undertaking works to the eastbound carriageway. Phase four will incorporate the same contraflow traffic management system as phase one, enabling the installation of the VRS system on crossovers and restore full functionality to the M4 Viaduct.
As the project progresses, we continue to work in collaboration with National Highways and various other subcontractors on site, to complete the project in line with the programmed completion date in August 2024.
