HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, bmJV and SMP Alliance have achieved a remarkable double victory at the National Highways Awards 2023 for their exceptional work on the M6 J5-8.
The M6 J5-8 Integrated Project Team, led by bmJV (BAM/Morgan Sindall Joint Venture) and HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd secured wins in the customer-focused network management category and the chairman’s award. This success underscores their collaborative and customer-first approach in developing and executing a commendable traffic management plan for the M6 J5-8 corridor.
Covering an 11-mile stretch between junctions 5 and 8 on the M6, this crucial arterial route accommodates up to 150,000 vehicles daily, connecting the M6 in the West Midlands with the M5 and M42. The section features a Dynamic Hard Shoulder (DHS), necessitating safety upgrades to the central reservation and the creation of new emergency areas.
In contracts to typical major project traffic management, characterized by long stretches of roadworks and narrow lanes, the Integrated Project Team took an innovative approach. They challenged convention with a revitalized scheme that was agile, digitally focused and customer friendly.
The results are impressive – a 94% reduction in the proposed static works programme, addressing various customer concerns. This meant roadworks that were both shorter in length and shorter in duration, without lengthy diversion routes. All Lane Running (ALR) was maintained throughout the works and standard-width lanes were retained. Notably, the speed limit was fixed at 50mph during the day, a departure from the usual practice of nighttime works for major projects.
Further innovations included replacing temporary assets like speed cameras and some of the temporary traffic signage with existing permanent assets such as instructions via the overhead gantries.
David Shaw, present at the awards ceremony hosted at Edgbaston Cricket Club on March 6th, expressed his satisfaction, stating:
“This is the third time in four years that we’ve been associated with the customer-focused network award. A fantastic achievement for our teams who work tirelessly to provide high-quality customer service every shift.
The company’s commendable work on the A595 Moresby Hall Improvement Scheme also earned a spot on the shortlist for the same award. This recognition highlights not only their success on the M6 J5-8 but their consistent dedication to customer-focused excellence.