Part of the Trans-European Road Network, the M62 Smart Motorway scheme is of strategic importance on a regional, national and international scale. Atkins developed an innovative design for this project to provide 15.5 miles of extra road capacity to reduce congestion and provide safer journeys for motorists.
The design includes the use of Dynamic Hardshoulder Running and All Lane Running (ALR), where the existing hard shoulder is converted into a running lane. This is the first scheme in the UK to implement ALR and this approach delivered savings of around £3 million as less technology was required.
To deliver this scheme two months ahead of schedule and under budget, our design team worked collaboratively with main contractor BAM Nuttall/Morgan Sindall Joint Venture (bmJV) and client, the Highways Agency.
Innovation was key to successful delivery such as 3D modelling, developed by Atkins. These models informed the design process so well and achieved early buy in from stakeholders to new layouts that it led to a reduction in infrastructure requirements, saving the project £9 million. The 3D models were able to replicate views from properties allowing impacts to be determined and minimised as well as facilitating early engagement with residents to agree mitigation measures if required. The models were also able to replicate CCTV camera images ensuring full coverage of the scheme and also meant that cameras were positioned in the right place, first time.
Atkins’ design team were also behind the introduction of 19 metre span cantilever sign/signal gantries, the longest to be installed on the network. These cantilever gantries reduced costs and minimised the impact on the local environment including visual intrusion to local residents.
Officially opened in September 2013, the scheme has seen around 15 minutes taken off the average journey for all road users.