M25 success at CIHT Awards

Connect Plus, together with M25 community partners Connect Plus Services, Skanska Toppesfield, FM Conway and Atkins have been awarded this year’s CIHT UK Climate Change award for their innovative surfacing trial using 50% reclaimed asphalt.

Based on emerging best practice, the newly developed surface course, comprising 50% reclaimed asphalt, was successfully installed on the M25 between junctions 25 and 26 in September 2019. This is the first of its kind on the strategic road network.

In addition to delivering a safe and smooth driving experience for road users, the innovative trial has delivered a carbon footprint saving of 9.46kg CO2e/T, resulting from a 50% reduction in primary aggregate, a 61% reduction in bitumen imported and reduced transport requirements.

The collaborative approach to the trial was highly commended by the CIHT judges, and demonstrates what is possible when multiple industry players come together and operate as one community.

 

Andy Dean, Connect Plus Chief Executive, said: “This innovation marks a step change in our approach to surfacing on the strategic road network. Through our combined strength as the M25 community, we will continue to innovate and deliver maximum value for our client, Highways England, and the travelling public, whilst continually working to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Dave Neal, Connect Plus Services Managing Director, said: “I am delighted that the 50% reclaimed asphalt trial has been recognised by the CIHT judges. This award is testament to the outstanding collaboration within the M25 community and our collective commitment to the environment. We are dedicated to driving forward new innovations on the strategic road network, with the intense nature of the M25 making it an ideal testbed.”

The M25 community was also highly commended at the CIHT Awards for its ultra-low carbon concrete pilot on the M25, which has seen a team from Jackson, Connect Plus, DB Group and Axtell reduce carbon emissions by 77%. M25 community member Tarmac, was also highly commended for its innovative inflatable barriers, which have been designed to resemble concrete, and take only 2 minutes to inflate. The barriers act as a visual deterrent for worksite incursions and increase the safety of workforce and road users.

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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