M20 Highways project

The M20 is a key stretch of motorway that links Europe and the South East with London, which required upgrades to the embankment. This was a challenging project for blu-3 due to the presence of local wildlife and the need to keep traffic disruption to a minimum on the busy motorway.

Location

M20 J8-7 London Bound

Client

Highways England

Main Contractor

Aone+

Value

£900K

As the UK’s busiest link to the continent this a highly sensitive network on which to operate.

Scope:

The geotechnical scheme between Junctions 8 and 7 London Bound restored the structural integrity to the embankment following damage caused by extensive burrowing from rabbits.

Granular replacement of embankment slope to widen the crest of the earthwork for 376m
Haul road 3.0m wide 350m long
Material Excavated: 7,500t
Gullies renewed: 23
Drainage Repairs: 230m
Acoustic Barrier Fence replaced: 460m
VRS Fencing: 390m
Preventative Rabbit netting placed and covered with top soil: 2400m2

Project Challenges & Solutions:

Close liaison with North Kent Boys Brigade whose land lies on the embankment
Nesting birds and dormice -boxes were erected within the remaining woodland and the start of the works were delayed until the birds had left the nests
Minimising disruption for site owner and road users meant carrying out work simultaneously from the main carriageway & haul road. LGV traffic had to be controlled and close liaison with local residents and the council undertaken