News

We are especially proud to announce that Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services have been shortlisted across 6 entries at this year’s Highways Awards. 

Best use of new technology: ESRI ArcGIS on the M25 

Embracing innovation, we have transformed our operations through the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), improving asset visibility, condition tracking, trend analysis, maintenance planning and safety. A major milestone was migrating from an on-premises ArcGIS Server to a cloud-based ESRI ArcGIS Online platform. In collaboration with ESRI UK, we developed an automated data update system using Python to ensure real-time accuracy and availability of key data, including Network Occupancy Management System (NOMS) roadspace bookings. This transformation enables our teams to make faster, more informed decisions, improving project coordination and minimising disruption to road users and stakeholders. 

Digital transformation and AI: RoadAI and in-house analytics on the M25 

We have transformed our pavement management approach through the introduction of RoadAI; an AI-powered, mobile-based monitoring system mounted on a vehicle, and innovative in-house analytics. 

RoadAI addresses limitations of previous surveys and condition reports, now providing continuous, high-frequency assessments of road conditions. It captures high-definition video and uses AI and machine learning to detect surface defects, as well as monitoring road signs, markings, and soft estate areas. During a six-week trial, RoadAI achieved a 74% correlation with traditional survey data, validating its effectiveness and reliability. Since its rollout, RoadAI has provided an unprecedented insight across the M25. We have also developed accessible reporting in RoadAI through in-house integration with Power BI, through an API. 

Environmental sustainability: Improving water quality at outfalls by innovative environmental design 

This is an environmental design detail which provides significant environmental benefit within its small, localised footprint. This scheme involves the removal of dissolved copper and zinc toxic metal pollutants within the surface run off. This detail has the potential to be rolled out at scale across the Area 5 (M25) network and beyond with significant environmental benefit. 

Winter service and climate resilience of the year: Resilience on the M25 through the climate vulnerability plan 

Owing to the growing impact of climate change, we have developed a Climate Vulnerability Plan. Climate change has led to accelerated asset deterioration and poses risks to road safety and user experience, necessitating changes to renewal programs and investment profiles. The plan identifies the potential effects of extreme weather, such as intense rainfall, heat, and flooding, and establishes strategies to mitigate these challenges. The plan incorporates data analysis from Asset Managers and Service Delivery teams to understand how weather events affect infrastructure and road users. Key strategies focus on enhancing the resilience of pavement infrastructure, reducing flooding risks, and addressing geotechnical and arboriculture vulnerabilities. Additionally, the plan includes proactive maintenance measures such as sealing pavement cracks, improving drainage, and deploying resources to manage extreme weather conditions. 

Environmental sustainability: Brookhouse Brook water quality improvement (Jackson Civil Engineering, Connect Plus, National Highways, Atkins Realis and Stormwater Management) 

A team from the M25 Community recently trialled a pioneering new filter material which is designed to remove over 90% of pollutants from surface water runoff at source. Installed within the footprint of existing drainage assets, the solution requires minimal construction of additional infrastructure. This is particularly valuable for the highways industry, where space to install proprietary filtration systems is limited, particularly along ‘all-lane-running’ sections. Furthermore, traditional filtration systems often require burdensome maintenance regimes, involving annual filter changes in confined spaces, increasing workforce exposure and causing disruption to traffic through annual lane closures 

Small project of the year: M25/M20 barrier replacement (Connect Plus, Octavius, SmartRaft and Arbus) 

This project involved replacing 396m of high-containment Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) barrier on the M25/M20 interchange. Following extensive ECI and pre-site trials, the team delivered the project using a pioneering new modular foundation, Smartraft, installed over a single 56-hour weekend closure achieving a 49% reduction in the project’s carbon footprint, a 70% reduction in person hours, and a 41% reduction in project cost. A World First! This is the first time Smartraft, has been used in conjunction with high containment barrier, which is designed to protect overbridge foundations against vehicle and HGV strikes. 

A huge well done and congratulations to everyone involved in each of these projects, it’s a true testament to their hard work and dedication that we have been shortlisted in these prestigious industry awards. 

The awards ceremony is being held on the 23rd September.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

• Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
• Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
• Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
• With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
• Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
• For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25