The M5 Golden Valley Bridge Refurbishment project was awarded the ‘Over £8m Re-engineered project’ at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards on 22 November 2022.
The award was given in acknowledgement of the successful execution of a complex project, and the result of a collaborative effort between the Client National Highways, Principal Consultant Kier Highways, Principal Contractor MJ Church and its supply chain. Freyssinet was the primary subcontractor in bridge strengthening and concrete repairs.
The M5 junction 11 Golden Valley Interchange comprises of two bridges supporting a gyratory system over the M5 and A40 in Gloucestershire.
Kier Highways engaged Freyssinet under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) scheme in 2020 to provide design assistance on methodology for grouting empty post-tensioned ducts, post-tensioning special investigation (PTSI), cathodic protection design, concrete repairs strategy and methods of jacking and bearing replacement. Freyssinet provided a programme of activities to ensure the complex works could be sequenced efficiently.
Following the ECI period, Freyssinet collaborated with National Highways project delivery team and Principal Contractor MJ Church. The combined approach with assured a good level of understanding in buildability and programme knowledge for the specialist refurbishment works required.
Freyssinet’s scope of works included temporary works design, concrete repairs, PTSI, site surveys and investigation, tendon grout trials, jacking, bridge bearing design/supply and installation, cathodic protection, hydro demolition and reinstatement of ballast walls and stringcourses.
Terry Robinson, National Highways’ Structures Engineering Manager, said: “We’re hugely grateful for the vital input of Freyssinet and all the supply chains who put so much effort into making the Golden Valley Scheme such a success.
“Without their skills, knowledge, hard work and ‘can do attitude’ to resolving any issues, we wouldn’t have been able to complete the complex scheme on schedule, and it’s great to see this collaborative work recognised with this ICE regional award.”
PROJECT CASE STUDY