VolkerFitzpatrick has been chosen by Hampshire County Council as its design and build contractor to deliver the planned M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme. This marks a key milestone for this significant and complex project which will enable the development of Welborne Garden Village to the north of Fareham. VolkerFitzpatrick and
Balfour Beatty Living Places today announces that it has been awarded a new, seven-year, £297 million contract by East Sussex County Council for the maintenance of highways assets and delivery of infrastructure services across the county. There is an option to extend the contract by a further seven years based
For construction workers and site managers, ensuring proper traffic management is one of the most critical aspects of their job. This means creating a safe and efficient system for handling the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through the work zone. There are several factors to consider when designing a traffic
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been given its first contract within National Highways’ new Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Routine investigations to the M62 Ouse Bridge, located between Goole and Howden in Yorkshire –
Buckinghamshire Council has announced Balfour Beatty as the the winner of its £176 million highways maintenance contract. The two will work closely together to provide a safe and resilient local road network, maintaining over 5,000 kilometres of highways, carriageways, footpaths, and cycle routes. With the possibility of extension for a
Balfour Beatty Living Places today announces that it has been awarded an eight-year, £176 million contract by Buckinghamshire Council for the maintenance of highways assets across the county. There is an option to extend the contract for a further four years. Balfour Beatty Living Places will work closely and collaboratively
Civil engineering firm GRAHAM has completed work on a new junction on the M11, delivering one of the biggest highways infrastructure projects in Essex. The £76 million M11 Junction 7A scheme opened to the public ahead of schedule on Friday (10 June) and has created much-needed new access into Harlow
Work on the much anticipated £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme has reached a major milestone. The final five bridge beams have been lifted into place for the new Chester Road bridge. A 500-tonne crane was used to lift the 22.5m-long beams into position, with each beam weighing 37.8 tonnes. The
The Connecting Leeds £25million transformational Corn Exchange project is due to complete following resurfacing works which are happening later this month. Once fully complete, the area around the Corn Exchange will see restrictions to general traffic, allowing for bus priority measures, enhanced bus stop signage and facilities, safer cycle tracks
M9 interchange provides access to Winchburgh development Approval unlocks delivery of 20-year masterplan Winchburgh is one of UK’s biggest place-making projects A new junction for the M9 has been given the green light, paving the way for new access to the major development at Winchburgh in West Lothian. The development
VolkerFitzpatrick has been chosen by Hampshire County Council as its design and build contractor to deliver the planned M27 Junction 10 improvement scheme. This marks a key milestone for this significant and complex project which will enable the development of Welborne Garden Village to the north of Fareham. VolkerFitzpatrick and lead designer, Ramboll, bring significant expertise and experience to the project team and will work closely with the County Council and National Highways to finalise the design for the scheme, with construction planned to begin in 2023. “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract by Hampshire County Council. Our regional approach will allow us to deliver our highways expertise in a way that will most benefit the Hampshire community,” commented Paul Lilley, VolkerFitzpatrick’s Operations Director. The upgrade involves the provision of a new motorway underpass to the west of the existing M27 Junction 10, three new slip roads to facilitate an ‘all moves’ arrangement and the construction of a new dual carriageway to link the new slip roads to the existing road network. These highway improvements will make a very significant contribution to the local economy, enabling much needed new housing, amenities and jobs. Hampshire County Council is the delivery body for the Junction 10 project. “I am very pleased with how this project is progressing and I welcome the news that a contractor has been appointed. With the development of the new Garden Village at Welborne, it is important that the necessary road infrastructure is put in place to secure the full benefits for the local economy and communities,” said Councillor Edward Heron, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy. “As the Highway Authority for the local road network, the County Council is very experienced at successfully managing the development and delivery of large transport projects on our own road network. However, the construction of a new motorway underpass on the M27, which is managed by National Highways, is technically complex and requires expert and specialist engineering knowledge. I am confident that Volker Fitzpatrick, supported by Ramboll, will be a very able partner to this end. We are very proud to be leading this important milestone project, but we do not underestimate the magnitude of the task,” he added. In March 2022, Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council welcomed news of an award of £41.25 million of Housing Investment Grant by Homes England towards the upgrade of Junction 10. This will make a substantial contribution to the overall cost of the scheme with the remaining £40 million being provided by the Welborne developers. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Balfour Beatty Living Places today announces that it has been awarded a new, seven-year, £297 million contract by East Sussex County Council for the maintenance of highways assets and delivery of infrastructure services across the county. There is an option to extend the contract by a further seven years based on the successful delivery of the initial seven-year term, worth up to a total value of £730 million. Balfour Beatty Living Places will work alongside East Sussex County Council to maintain the county’s highway network and infrastructure, including roads, pavements, drainage, streetlights, traffic lights and bridges. In addition, the company will also provide winter gritting services and deliver highway improvement schemes. Building on the success of its ‘Operational Control Hub’ in Herefordshire and Southampton, the company will establish a new facility in East Sussex, using the latest in innovative technologies and systems designed in-house to provide a single source of visibility to monitor all activities in real-time, track progress of works and enable data-driven decision making to drive efficiencies across the network. Steve Helliwell, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Living Places said: “This latest award builds on our longstanding expertise and commitment to providing best-in-class highways and infrastructure maintenance services across the UK. “Our dedicated team of professionals will seek to introduce new technologies and innovative solutions wherever we can, helping us to create great places to work, live and play, whilst also leaving behind a lasting positive legacy for the communities in East Sussex.” Cllr Claire Dowling, the county council’s Lead Member for Transport and Environment said: “It is vital for our residents and our economy that our road network is well-maintained, and work carried out is of the right quality. “This new contract has undergone extensive scrutiny to ensure it reflects the feedback we receive on our highways work and that it builds on the successes of the current contract and is fit for purpose for our residents and communities. She added: “As well as demonstrating that this could be achieved, Balfour Beatty Living Places also showed how its activities would align with our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon emissions and how its actions would benefit the communities of East Sussex through its social value plan, including training, apprenticeships and community projects and events. “Balfour Beatty Living Places has a lot of experience with highways maintenance and major infrastructure projects, delivering services with a number of councils across the country and we look forward to working with them in East Sussex.” As part of its commitment to The 5% Club, the company expects the number of people in earn and learn positions will increase to 10% during the contract term through its partnership with the Youth Employability Service East Sussex. The contract is scheduled to commence in Spring 2023.
For construction workers and site managers, ensuring proper traffic management is one of the most critical aspects of their job. This means creating a safe and efficient system for handling the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through the work zone. There are several factors to consider when designing a traffic management plan, including the type and size of the construction project, the number of workers and vehicles on site, and the location of the work zone concerning other traffic. Some of the most common traffic control measures used in construction zones include: Hire Traffic Control Services Hiring traffic control services is one of the most important steps to ensure proper traffic management on a construction site. Traffic controllers are professionals who are trained in managing and directing traffic flow, and they can help keep your construction site safe and efficient. Find the best traffic control services near you to ensure that the people controlling your traffic are familiar with the place. For instance, if the site is located in Narwee, NSW, check out https://sstc.net.au/traffic-control-services/ and consider hiring this team of experts. There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring traffic control services: Make sure the company is experienced and has a good reputation. Ask for references and check them out. Make sure the company is insured and bonded. Get some quotes from different companies and compare prices. Hiring traffic control services is a significant investment, but it is worth it to ensure the safety of your construction site. Taking the time to find a reputable and experienced company will pay off in the long run. Install Signages and Instructions Safety signs play an essential role in maintaining facilities compliant and workers informed. Construction workers and laborers must have sufficient knowledge to identify different types of hazards in the construction site, the risk level of each hazard, and the safety measures to take. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to keep staff safe, and having a visual communication approach, such as safety signs, is the answer. Signage includes Notification signs and Safe operation Instruction signage to keep your employees informed. These signs will notify the workers of the location of first aid kits, emergency eyewash sites, and other details concisely and clearly. Additionally, signages are also effective visual instruction to manage vehicle and foot traffic within the site to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles know where they should go to avoid traffic congestion. Provide Better Visibility for Vehicles When vehicles reverse in locations where people can’t be excluded, the risk increases, and visibility becomes critical. Hence, if you want to increase visibility within the construction site and help manage the traffic, you should consider aiding drivers with mirrors, reversing alarms, and CCTVs so drivers will have better visibility around the vehicle. Installing proper lighting is also key to improving visibility as it lets pedestrians and vehicle drivers better see each other, especially after sunset or during bad weather. Remember that operating under low light conditions poses numerous additional hazards to construction workers. For example, sight distance will be significantly reduced, and headlight glare may momentarily conceal objects until it’s too late to avoid them. Regarding people within the construction site, you should ensure that they wear additional high-visibility accessories so that vehicle drivers can easily see them and avoid any accidents. Maintain Clear Routes Traffic control is a vital part of any construction project. Hiring professional traffic control services can help ensure the safety of your workers, pedestrians, and motorists. Traffic control services can also help you maintain clear routes and avoid potential congestion and delays. When construction projects occur, it is vital to maintain clear routes for pedestrians and motorists. Hiring traffic control services can help you do this. Traffic control services can help you set up signs, cones, and other traffic control devices. They can also help you direct traffic around the construction site. Hiring traffic control services can also help you avoid potential congestion and delays. Traffic control services can help you plan the flow of traffic around the construction site. They can also help you monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments as needed. During construction health and safety checks, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors look for well-organized sites, free-flowing walkways, and access routes. Keeping the routes clear will also ensure that the emergency exits are free of obstruction so that people can evacuate freely and immediately during emergencies. Site Logistics Site logistics play a pivotal role in the success of any construction project. Poorly managed site logistics can lead to delays, accidents, and injuries. So, to avoid these issues, it is important to have a clear plan for managing traffic at your construction site. This includes specifying who is responsible for traffic control, setting up traffic signs and cones, and managing construction vehicles. According to Michelle Gray, core construction EHS leader, Speed limits should be imposed within the site where it’s applicable to help manage vehicle traffic. He also added that traffic flow must be organized and coordinated to keep vehicle speeds low and reduce travel routes to parking areas, trailers, and the loading and unloading stations. It’s also safer for vehicles to make right-hand turns in and out of the construction site. It eliminates the need for cross-traffic. Conclusion Construction sites can be hectic places, with many large vehicles and equipment moving around. Thus, it’s crucial to have a good traffic management plan in place to ensure the safety of everyone on site.
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been given its first contract within National Highways’ new Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF). Routine investigations to the M62 Ouse Bridge, located between Goole and Howden in Yorkshire – or between junctions 36 and 37 of the M62 – identified a partial failure of a joint on the eastbound carriageway. Therefore, Winvic has been appointed as one of the organisations on the SDF undertaking temporary and then permanent repairs on the structure and highway. It was discovered that increased vibration from traffic had started to damage the concrete under lane three and a bridge joint, which allows the carriageway to expand and contract with the weather. A contraflow was immediately put into place, reducing traffic on the eastbound carriage to one lane, to allow temporary works to begin, while a series of overnight road closures during the week commencing 13 June facilitated a second eastbound traffic lane to open on Saturday 18 June minimising disruption to road users. Winvic installed temporary metal bridging plates across parts of the eastbound carriageway, which enabled a further eastbound lane and the eastbound exit slip road at junction 37 to be reopened on Friday 8 July. Winvic has employed its ‘one-team’ approach and is working closely with a number of National Highways project partners; Jacobs is designing the repairs, traffic management is being led by Amey and Winvic, along with specialist Contractor VSL, is heading the joint repair and replacement. Together the companies are currently working on the complex design process required to replace all eight joints across both carriageways towards a solution that reduces the need for full closures in the future as much as possible. Temporary bridging plates have been installed over the damaged bridge joints as a temporary mitigation measure, and a second set will be added this autumn. The two most critically damaged joints on the eastbound carriageway will be replaced by spring 2023 and the project will be fully complete in Autumn 2023. Winvic won its place on the National Highways SDF in September, along with 49 other contractors that will deliver £3.6 billion of road renewal works on England’s motorways and trunk roads over the next six years. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Director of Civils and Infrastructure, commented: “We have been working hard with National Highways and the Yorkshire North East region to mobilise the Scheme Delivery Framework since we were awarded our place on it in September, so we were able to mobilise rapidly on this project on the M62 Ouse Bridge to begin the necessary immediate temporary works. We put multiple interfaces in place with the National Highway team and the other project partners, so we could work as one-team, towards one-goal with safety as the ultimate priority. “The surfacing and bridging plate works have met programme expectations, meaning road users have been able to go back to using multiple carriageways and the programme is in place to install more plates this Autumn; while the priority always must be safety, it’s also crucial that disruptions to people’s journeys is minimised as quickly as possible and negate the need for full road closures as much as possible. Once the permanent solution has been fully designed and fabricated, we will undertake these permanent works, facilitating the long-term safe use of the Ouse Bridge.” Members of the public can keep up to date about the project and any related traffic disruption, by visiting https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/yorkshire-and-north-east/m62-ouse-bridge/. Phil Jepps, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, added: “The temporary repair work around the bridge joint and the permanent replacement of all eight joints on the Ouse Bridge is a very complex project. To complete this as quickly, safely and effectively as possible, it’s important we work with outstanding partners who share our commitment to working towards the highest possible standards. We would like to thank Winvic and our other partners on the Scheme Delivery Framework for their ongoing support to keep traffic moving safely while completing the vital resurfacing and bridging plate work.” For more information on essential safety work taking place on Ouse Bridge, visit the National Highways dedicated web page for the bridge https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/yorkshire-and-north-east/m62-ouse-bridge/ or follow National Highways Yorkshire on Facebook. Winvic will be attending the Highways UK event at The NEC, Birmingham, on 2 and 3 of November 2022 – find them at exhibition stand number E6 or contact the firm to pre-book a meeting. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.
Buckinghamshire Council has announced Balfour Beatty as the the winner of its £176 million highways maintenance contract. The two will work closely together to provide a safe and resilient local road network, maintaining over 5,000 kilometres of highways, carriageways, footpaths, and cycle routes. With the possibility of extension for a further four years, the contract will see Balfour Beatty responsible for the delivery of winter maintenance services for the local community and travelling public, as well as the operation and maintenance of the county’s street lighting and key community assets including gullies and traffic signals. Steve Helliwell, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty, says that the announcements “builds on our longstanding expertise and commitment to providing best-in-class highways maintenance services, whilst offering customer-focused solutions in a collaborative partnership.” “Wherever we operate, we go above and beyond for our customers with an unrelenting focus on leaving a lasting positive legacy for the communities we serve; working with local supply chain partners whilst also creating numerous apprenticeship and graduate opportunities,” Steve adds. In order to reduce carbon emissions and waste during the project, Balfour Beatty will come up with innovative solutions and materials. These solutions include ideas such as using reused rubber asphalt when laying new road surfaces and installing electric charging points at its depots to facilitate its electric vehicle fleet, in line with Balfour Beatty’s sustainability strategy, ‘Building New Futures’. “We are pleased that, after a rigorous selection process, Balfour Beatty Living Places will be working with Buckinghamshire Council to provide a new model of highways services that meets our aspirations for a faster and more responsive service to best meet the needs of residents and road users. With their impressive track record of managing contracts of this nature, we are keen to embrace their expertise and experience, whilst realising their delivery of innovation and quality onto our network,” comments Councillor Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport. Moreover, Balfour Beatty will establish an Operational Efficiency Hub, which is a data-driven Hub to monitor all activities in real-time, track progress of works and capture data to drive further efficiencies across the network. This will ensure the continuous effective maintenance of highways assets across the county. Balfour Beatty Living Places will also dedicate 50% of its spend to local businesses, and as part of its commitment to The 5% Club, will ensure a minimum of 5% of its workforce comprises of graduates, apprentices and trainees. “We know how important the condition of our roads and footpaths is for local residents and this new contract will allow us to map out a detailed strategic plan for the future. We are focused on channelling our resources into making lasting improvements, whilst at the same time standing by our commitment to cut our carbon emissions and take the lead in adopting new and innovative techniques that achieve value for money,” concludes the Councillor. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Balfour Beatty Living Places today announces that it has been awarded an eight-year, £176 million contract by Buckinghamshire Council for the maintenance of highways assets across the county. There is an option to extend the contract for a further four years. Balfour Beatty Living Places will work closely and collaboratively alongside the Council to provide a safe and resilient local road network, maintaining over 5,000 kilometres of highways, carriageways, footpaths, and cycle routes. In addition, Balfour Beatty Living Places will also be responsible for delivering winter maintenance services for the local community and travelling public, as well as the operation and maintenance of the county’s street lighting and key community assets including gullies and traffic signals. The company will harness innovative solutions and materials such as reused rubber asphalt when laying new road surfaces to drive down carbon emissions and reduce waste, as well as installing electric charging points at its depots to facilitate its electric vehicle fleet, in line with Balfour Beatty’s sustainability strategy, “Building New Futures.” To ensure the continuous effective maintenance of highways assets across the county, Balfour Beatty Living Places will also establish an ‘Operational Efficiency Hub’ – a data-driven Hub to monitor all activities in real-time, track progress of works and capture data to drive further efficiencies across the network. Balfour Beatty Living Places will also dedicate 50% of its spend to local businesses, and as part of its commitment to The 5% Club, will ensure a minimum of 5% of its workforce comprises of graduates, apprentices and trainees. Steve Helliwell, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Living Places, said: “Today’s announcement builds on our longstanding expertise and commitment to providing best-in-class highways maintenance services, whilst offering customer-focused solutions in a collaborative partnership. “Wherever we operate, we go above and beyond for our customers with an unrelenting focus on leaving a lasting positive legacy for the communities we serve; working with local supply chain partners whilst also creating numerous apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.” Councillor Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We are pleased that, after a rigorous selection process, Balfour Beatty Living Places will be working with Buckinghamshire Council to provide a new model of highways services that meets our aspirations for a faster and more responsive service to best meet the needs of residents and road users. With their impressive track record of managing contracts of this nature, we are keen to embrace their expertise and experience, whilst realising their delivery of innovation and quality onto our network. “We know how important the condition of our roads and footpaths is for local residents and this new contract will allow us to map out a detailed strategic plan for the future. We are focused on channelling our resources into making lasting improvements, whilst at the same time standing by our commitment to cut our carbon emissions and take the lead in adopting new and innovative techniques that achieve value for money.” The contract commences on 1st April 2023.
Civil engineering firm GRAHAM has completed work on a new junction on the M11, delivering one of the biggest highways infrastructure projects in Essex. The £76 million M11 Junction 7A scheme opened to the public ahead of schedule on Friday (10 June) and has created much-needed new access into Harlow and included widening and improvement of Gilden Way, plus a new link road connecting Gilden Way and the junction via new roundabouts on either side of the motorway. As part of the project, GRAHAM, in collaboration with Essex County Council, has built a new bridge over the motorway, constructed slip roads for both northbound and southbound traffic, and improved walking and cycling access on Gilden Way. Funded by the council and National Highways, the new junction completes a project that started in summer 2020. Discussing the project on the day of its opening, Cllr Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “Today marks the opening of one of the largest highways infrastructure projects in the county and it is testament to all involved that, despite the challenges of the last two years, the project has been delivered ahead of schedule. “We have created a much-needed new east-west link, significantly improving access to the M11 at Harlow. This, in turn, will help reduce congestion on the A414 and other routes in the town and also support future growth, including the potential creation of up to 3,000 new jobs.” Matt Stafford, National Highways Regional Delivery Director, said: “We understand how important the M11 is to thousands of road users every day. “The road is a vital link for work journeys, visits to friends and family, and the movement of goods and services between London and East Anglia, and we’re pleased to have worked in partnership with Essex County Council to deliver this scheme. “A huge amount of work has gone in to get to this point and I am delighted to see the last piece of the jigsaw put in place with the opening of this new junction.” The junction opened to traffic on Friday evening, following a formal opening event the previous day. The public, whom the council thanked for their patience during construction of the scheme, was also given a unique opportunity to see the final scheme up close before it opened to traffic during a 5km charity fun run, which was supported by Harlow Running and Tri Club and Active Essex. The fun-run, which raised money for a local charity supporting children living with cerebral palsy and St Clare Hospice, saw more than 500 participants run from the London Road Roundabout to the new junction and back. With match-funding from GRAHAM, their efforts raised over £9,000. Dave Brown, Highways Director for GRAHAM Civil Engineering, added: “We’re pleased to have completed construction and delivered this important project in the region. The team has worked tirelessly during the programme, which included a challenging bridge beam installation over two weeks, involving four overnight closures to minimise disruption to road users. The new junction is a testament to our team’s civil engineering expertise and another addition to our growing highways portfolio.” For more information about the scheme and the new junction, visit www.essex.gov.uk/junction7a.
Work on the much anticipated £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme has reached a major milestone. The final five bridge beams have been lifted into place for the new Chester Road bridge. A 500-tonne crane was used to lift the 22.5m-long beams into position, with each beam weighing 37.8 tonnes. The operation was completed within a day and the beams now form part of the largest structure in the scheme. The 3km Poynton Relief Road will relieve Poynton and neighbouring areas of high traffic volumes and congestion as well as improve air quality for residents and open up employment land. During March, concrete will be poured to form the west abutment for the Adlington bridge, marking the completion of all major concrete works across all the project’s structures. Other ongoing works include installation of drainage systems. A second season of major earthworks will start early next month. The road is due to open to traffic at the end of the year. Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of the authority’s highways and transport committee, said: “This is an impressive achievement by our construction contractors Graham, and a key milestone in progressing this important and long-awaited scheme. I congratulate all on a smooth operation. “This scheme shows the council’s commitment to deliver major infrastructure improvements for Cheshire East and will improve links to Macclesfield, the surrounding area, south Manchester and the airport. It will also open up some much-needed employment land, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the area.” The relief road will include two overbridge crossings for use by walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles and a 3.5m-wide combined cycle and footway, which will run beside the length of the route in the western verge. Nick Hodder, project manager at Graham, said: “We’re pleased with the progress being made on the Poynton Relief Road scheme and reaching the milestone of the beam lifting for the new Chester Road bridge. The lift was a delicate operation delivered carefully by our project team to ensure a safe and timely installation of the beams, which will support the new bridge. “We now focus our attention on completing the remaining concrete works and earthworks to prepare for the opening of this much-anticipated relief road later this year.” Cheshire East Council contributed £21m towards the cost of the road scheme with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership providing £5.6m from the government’s Growth Deal and the Department for Transport providing £16.4m. A total of £7.7m is planned to come from developer contributions. For more information on the Poynton Relief Road and to read the latest updates, visit: graham.co.uk/poynton-relief-road
The Connecting Leeds £25million transformational Corn Exchange project is due to complete following resurfacing works which are happening later this month. Once fully complete, the area around the Corn Exchange will see restrictions to general traffic, allowing for bus priority measures, enhanced bus stop signage and facilities, safer cycle tracks and pedestrian crossings. There will also be a new public realm space created directly outside the Corn Exchange, more greenery and wider pavements, making room for al-fresco dining on Lower Call Lane. Also part of the scheme, New Briggate will now be partly pedestrianised with upgraded cycle tracks. Traffic has been removed from this route onto Vicar Lane which allows the creation of outdoor opportunities for the growing restaurant and bar sector in the area. The resurfacing, which is due to happen later this month, involves removing 50mm of existing road surface, re-setting drainage covers and manhole lids and re-painting white lines and other road markings. Night-time closures will be in place, with roads closing at 8pm to general traffic and re-opening at 5am each morning. The pavements will still be open to pedestrians and businesses in the area will be open as usual. Buses will be temporarily diverted, and signs will be placed at bus stops with information on alternative stops. Work is scheduled in the following locations and dates: Kirkgate, Crown Street and New York Street: Sunday 27 February, 8pm – Thursday 3 March, 5am Call Lane: Monday 7 March, 8pm – Wednesday 9 March, 5am Meadow Lane (near old Asda filling station): Monday 7 March, 8pm – Tuesday 8 March, 5am Meadow Lane and Hunslet Road cycleway: Thursday 10 March, 8pm – Friday 11 March, 5am Call Lane (near Blue Rinse): Wednesday 9 March, 8pm – Thursday 10 March, 5am Lower Briggate cycleway: Wednesday 9 March, 8pm – Thursday 10 March, 5am New Briggate: Sunday 13 March, 8pm – Thursday 17 March, 5am New Briggate cycleway: Monday 21 March, 8pm – Tuesday 22 March, 5am The work is weather dependent and any adverse weather conditions will mean that it will need to be rescheduled. All works on this scheme are due to be complete by the end of spring and form part of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme which will see £173.5million investment into public transport and road improvements in Leeds. The improvements to the public realm around the Corn Exchange is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority under the Government’s Getting Building Fund. It involves £8.6million of match funding which is part of Leeds’ £12.2million Grey to Green programme. While resurfacing work is taking place, the council is urging people to plan journeys in advance by visiting the Connecting Leeds website or visiting the WY Metro website for bus diversions. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate said: “It’s exciting to see the final resurfacing works happening on this scheme. It gives these historic streets and buildings the surroundings it deserves whilst increasing opportunities for active travel and providing extra public space in the city centre. “We appreciate this next phase of work will be disruptive, but our contractors will make every effort to keep noise to a minimum and carry out noisy works as early on in the shift as possible. We would like to thank people and businesses for their patience while this project has been ongoing and ask that people continue to plan ahead to experience minimal disruption to their journey.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “The Corn Exchange is a real gem and is a beacon of culture and creativity, so it’s fantastic to see these changes, which will make the historic landmark more welcoming to the people of Leeds and visitors from far and wide. “Improving cycling, walking and public transport provisions form a key part of my pledge to tackle the climate emergency, so I’m also delighted that we are part of this scheme that will see more green spaces and provisions for active travel.”
M9 interchange provides access to Winchburgh development Approval unlocks delivery of 20-year masterplan Winchburgh is one of UK’s biggest place-making projects A new junction for the M9 has been given the green light, paving the way for new access to the major development at Winchburgh in West Lothian. The development has already delivered over 650 new homes, shops and business space, extensive parks and recreation space and a canal-side marina. Three new state-of-the art schools are also well advanced in a large school campus next to extensive parkland. The new junction will unlock the final delivery of the Winchburgh masterplan which, when complete, will see at least 3,800 new homes, improved transport links, and a minimum of 40-acres of employment land created. Now the government is processing the ‘Made Road Orders’ which is the final administrative step in allowing the motorway junction work to proceed. It marks a major milestone in the evolution of Winchburgh, with work to develop the historic mining village first taking off in 2012. The news comes as Winchburgh also announced a sixth homebuilder has begun work on site. Taylor Wimpey has joined Bellway, CALA, Barratt, Robertson and J Smart & Co to deliver a wide range of quality new homes. From one-bedroom canal-side apartments to six-bedroom family houses, the new properties in Winchburgh have already seen exceptional demand, appealing to a variety of different homebuyers. Construction on the M9 is expected to begin in February 2022 with the junction due to open at the end of 2022. The junction will be formed by constructing four new slip roads centred around the existing underpass below the motorway. Served by a fully upgraded core road, it will connect the town centre with the southern roundabout at the new M9 junction. John Hamilton, Chief Executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd commented: “The new junction has been a core element of the Winchburgh masterplan since its inception. Historically, transport connectivity has been heavily constrained by a motorway network that completely bypassed the village. This development will be transformational in improving journey times to and from Edinburgh and the Lothians for residents, businesses and visitors.” As part of the planning conditions, no more than 1,000 residential units could be occupied in Winchburgh until the new M9 junction was complete. Now that the junction has been given the go-ahead, the final phases of the masterplan can progress. Kirsty McGill, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “With the new M9 junction, the properties built in Winchburgh will be extremely well connected across the central belt. The demand we have already seen for new homes in Winchburgh is only expected to rise now that the junction has been approved.” Winchburgh residents, Keith and Andrea Fraser said: “In moving south from Aberdeenshire, we visited many housing developments across the Lothians in our search for a new home. We wanted to move to a growing community and the vision for the growth of Winchburgh really appealed to us, especially the range of community services and public spaces such as the marina and Auldcathie park which we look forward to exercising in and enjoying with family and friends. Although, we no longer have to face a daily commute, for those who do the new M9 junction will really improve Scottish transport links, and access to and from the village.” Spanning 352 hectares, Winchburgh is one of the largest and most exciting placemaking projects currently underway in the UK delivering new homes, improved transport links, employment opportunities, state-of-the-art schools and stunning new outdoor spaces to the historic village. Any enquires should be directed to John Hamilton, CEO, Winchburgh Developments Ltd on 07534 500238 or john@winchburghdevelopments.com.
