Work to improve A30 Crooked Billet roundabout complete

The £6.4m upgrade to the A30 Crooked Billet roundabout near Staines-upon-Thames is now complete, National Highways announced today.

The transformation has made the junction safer and easier for drivers, making the layout more intuitive and reducing the need to change lanes. Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit too, with more than 700 metres of new lanes.

Matt Feather, National Highways A30 Crooked Billet Junction Project Manager, said:

'This upgrade has made a real difference at the A30 Crooked Billet junction, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and making journeys better for the drivers who use it.

Over 20,000 vehicles use the junction every day at peak times. Our improvements will increase traffic capacity and cut the risk of accidents, which will improve people’s journeys and boost the economy.'

Improvements and renovation works included:

  • Upgraded traffic signals and new signs to reflect the new road layout. Introduction of a new signal control system which improves the operation and efficiency of the junction.
  • Improved street lighting by replacing the existing high-pressure sodium lamps with more efficient LED lamps. In addition to being low energy they also reduce light pollution.
  • A new surface-level route across the roundabout with new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists has been introduced. This provides a safer and more direct link for both pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes which improves access between Staines-upon-Thames, Hounslow and Heathrow Airport (delivered in partnership with Surrey Council) to make it easier for people to get around the area on foot, by bicycle and public transport.
  • Overall 700 metres+ of new lanes for safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
  • The east and westbound carriageway markings have been realigned. The previous four narrow lanes have been made in to three wider lanes through the centre of the roundabout in both directions. This change removes the underused fourth lane while matching the three existing lanes on the approaches to the junction, to reduce unnecessary lane changing.
  • The eastbound carriageway approach has been widened for a short section where the road bends left to enter the roundabout. This provides two dedicated lanes which were previously of sub-standard width.
  • Updated and renovated drainage system.

Whilst works were ongoing, community engagement was paramount. Projects included:

  • Improving surfacing and creating access for a local angling club.
  • Constructing a larger space for local Wraysbury Dog Rescue and re-surfacing to improve their access.
  • Supporting the local Manna Foodbank by collecting and delivering food donated by staff and contractors.
  • Contacting local schools to promote the construction industry and encourage students to study STEM subjects
  • Offering voluntary services to several local environment projects

Andy Dean, Chief Executive, Connect Plus said:

'We are proud to have supported National Highways in the delivery of the A30 Crooked Billet junction improvement scheme. This was a particularly complex project with added challenges brought by the pandemic.

The success of the delivery is owed to the hard work and dedication of the collective team, working collaboratively across National Highways, Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, R&W and the wider supply chain partners.”

The Crooked Billet scheme is part of National Highways M25 junction improvement programme, which is improving eight key junctions around the London Orbital.

---

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