A43 Road Resurfacing Brackley, Northants

Contracting

Northamptonshire

Overview

The contract for Highways England delivered a major resurfacing and repair road project on the A43 at Bakerley, Northants which included:

  • Widening/resurfacing of carriageway and roundabout 
  • Refurbishment of signage, street lighting and traffic signals
  • Resurfacing pedestrian crossings and footpaths
  • Colas end-to-end approach, cooperation with the client and between five Colas divisions

£2.8m

project value



5 months

night-time roadworks delivery


Challenges

  • Despite months of planning, after closing the road, Colas discovered that A43 was in much worse condition than initially thought, requiring a binder layer and new surface and re-plan of the resources.
  • The road at Brackley could not be closed during day-time as it was part of essential Midlands roads networks, linking with M40 and would have a major impact on the day traffic.
  • Precise logistical planning before the night-time works commenced was essential due to the restricted access to materials or staff at night.
  • Different aspects of this complex project required months of careful planning, in order to ensure everyone worked effectively and efficiently together.

Solutions

  • With the client’s agreement, Colas altered plans to create a more resilient, longer-lasting surface – along with all the street furniture and signage needed.
  • Colas’s solution was to work at night – for some 120 nights – to not disrupt the busy daytime traffic. The scheme was completed in time for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
  • Colas carefully timetabled street lighting, traffic signalling, widening of approach roads and crossings resulted in ensuring the smooth running of the night-works.
  • Colas planned every aspect of the project carefully, working closely with the client, who shared our site office, and used resources and expertise from five Colas divisions.