Automated Cone Laying Machine shortlisted for two industry awards

As an industry and UK first, Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services were proud to introduce the Falcon Automated Cone Laying Machine (ACLM) to our M25 fleet in July. 

We’re delighted to announce that the ACLM has now been shortlisted in two prestigious industry awards: The Motor Transport Awards and The Highways Awards. 

The innovative machinery was developed in partnership with Highway Care and Senn Engineering and rolled out onto the network by one of our parent companies, Balfour Beatty.  

The benefits of the ACLM are crucial to traffic management; with cone deployment being the primary segregation measure for the safety of our workforce and public.  

By removing the need for operatives to manually move up to five tonnes of cones per shift, benefits are far reached in health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues working across high-risk environments and ultimately in making the network safer for all. Furthermore, the machinery improves the time efficiency and availability on schemes.  

It is a great success and recognition for the ACLM to be shortlisted, which is not only innovative to the industry but also in its commitment to Zero Harm and its overall collaborative approach in design of the project. 

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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