A section of the M6 motorway in the UK between junctions 10a and 13 is to be upgraded to a Smart (managed) motorway with all-lane running. This section of the motorway is a major strategic route, carrying around 120,000 vehicles per day.
Carillion has been awarded a US$113 million construction contract for the scheme, which currently has an estimated overall cost of US$140 million. The project will increase the capacity of the M6 between the two junctions by improving traffic flow and relieving congestion with variable mandatory speed restrictions at peak times and converting the existing hard shoulder between junctions 11a and 13 to an additional permanent running lane with Smart motorways technology.
The scheme is part of a pilot initiative to speed up delivery of road projects, to ensure road users and the economy benefit from improvements sooner. Advanced enabling works started in September 2013 and full construction can now continue from the award of the construction contract. This is ahead of the planned construction start date of between January and March 2014. The full scheme is expected to be completed by spring 2015
Roads minister Robert Goodwill said: "I welcome today's contract award which is an important step towards the503 Highways Agency starting the main construction works on this much-needed scheme.”
David Cooke, Highways Agency project manager, said: “Once completed in spring 2015, this scheme will relieve congestion on this major transport route, improving journey time reliability and safety for road users. Over the coming months road users will start to see the additional verge mounted signs and gantries being installed. Much of the work will be less noticeable as the installation and testing of supporting hidden roadside technology will be ongoing throughout the scheme.”
Carillion chief executive, Richard Howson, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded another contract to install Smart motorway technology on the M6. Carillion is already successfully delivering a Smart motorway project for the Highways Agency between Junctions 5 and 8 on the M6 and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Highways Agency to improve journey times for the travelling public along this major route.”
Carillion has been awarded a US$113 million construction contract for the scheme, which currently has an estimated overall cost of US$140 million. The project will increase the capacity of the M6 between the two junctions by improving traffic flow and relieving congestion with variable mandatory speed restrictions at peak times and converting the existing hard shoulder between junctions 11a and 13 to an additional permanent running lane with Smart motorways technology.
The scheme is part of a pilot initiative to speed up delivery of road projects, to ensure road users and the economy benefit from improvements sooner. Advanced enabling works started in September 2013 and full construction can now continue from the award of the construction contract. This is ahead of the planned construction start date of between January and March 2014. The full scheme is expected to be completed by spring 2015
Roads minister Robert Goodwill said: "I welcome today's contract award which is an important step towards the
David Cooke, Highways Agency project manager, said: “Once completed in spring 2015, this scheme will relieve congestion on this major transport route, improving journey time reliability and safety for road users. Over the coming months road users will start to see the additional verge mounted signs and gantries being installed. Much of the work will be less noticeable as the installation and testing of supporting hidden roadside technology will be ongoing throughout the scheme.”
Carillion chief executive, Richard Howson, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded another contract to install Smart motorway technology on the M6. Carillion is already successfully delivering a Smart motorway project for the Highways Agency between Junctions 5 and 8 on the M6 and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Highways Agency to improve journey times for the travelling public along this major route.”
