Transport - Highways
"The challenge is to maintain the network and provide enhancements to the road network without unnecessary disruption to drivers or to neighbouring businesses and residents." Nigel Scott, Director, Civil Engineering Division
Osborne’s priority in highways work is to minimise disruption and keep the network running safely. Our history of successful frameworks demonstrates an understanding of the needs of highways operators and the service they provide for road users. Our main focus is to act collaboratively, engaging stakeholders and assisting clients to deliver a high level of service.
Working on the road network creates many challenges, including the safety of road users, pedestrians, our construction teams and subcontractors. Minimising traffic congestion and CO2 emissions dictates that we now carry out more activities outside regular working hours, and spend a great deal of time planning the works and associated traffic management. It is vital that we develop close working relationships with all stakeholders to minimise disruption and keep everyone informed about site activities.
On the £2.8 million London Road Gateway scheme in Peterborough we value engineered the design so that excavated material could be used as embankment fill. By eliminating 175 lorry movements, we demonstrated both Osborne’s policy of reducing our carbon footprint and commitment to cutting construction waste.
This particular site had the potential to disrupt many different aspects of life in the city, as well the 34,000 drivers who use the road every day. Working in partnership with Peterborough City Council, we developed a scheme that involved most of the work being done off -line to minimise the impact on traffic.
We currently have two framework agreements with the Highways Agency. The first is the eighth phase of an ongoing programme to improve communications on the A3(M) and adjoining network. The latest is for improvements to motorways in the Midlands, working in a joint venture with Aggregate Industries; a ground breaking framework which places Osborne at the forefront of the Government’s National Procurement Strategy promoting efficiency target improvements, highlighted within the Gershon report.
At a local authority level, we have also recently entered into a framework with Hampshire County Council to carry out enhancements on their network up to the value of £3 million.
The last 12 months have been a particularly challenging period for Peterborough City Council with a number of major schemes on the go at any one time. Of these, the London Road scheme was the most sensitive and the Council have been delighted with Osborne’s delivery. Through the bidding process it was clear that Osborne had identified the key issues. The work was programmed to maximise off -line working and minimise disruption to the public. Once Osborne reached site it was clear that partnering was not just something for the bid document but embedded in its culture. The project team of client, consultant and contractor worked together in an open and honest fashion and, in my experience, is the finest example of partnering. In the end the project was delivered on time and on budget and the contract remained on the shelf. What better measure of success is there? Richard Cranwell, Environmental Engineering Team Manager, Peterborough City Council
For more information contact civilengineering@osborne.co.uk