road-bridge
Apr 04, 2025
Roads & Bridges
Severe storms swept through multiple states Wednesday and Thursday night, leaving a trail of heavy rain, high winds, and road closures in their wake. Emergency officials in Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky are urging residents to exercise caution as floodwaters rise and debris blocks major roadways.
In Central Tennessee, flash flooding and downed power lines led to several road closures, particularly in Wilson and Williamson counties.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported closures along major interstates, with the northbound lane of Interstate 65 at mile marker 80 reopening by noon Thursday. Other affected roads include South Harpeth Road, Old Highway 96, and Floyd Road.
Ohio also experienced significant road disruptions due to storm debris. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reported lane closures on State Route 23 South at Rathmell Road and State Route 38 near Rosedale-Milford Road. However, prior closures on state Routes 315 and 310, as well as US-33, have since reopened.
Western Kentucky faced similar challenges, with officials emphasizing the importance of avoiding flooded roads.
In Hopkins County, emergency crews are monitoring flood-prone areas and preparing for additional rainfall in the coming days. Roads closed as of Thursday afternoon included KY 112, KY 502, and sections of State Route 62 in Ohio County.
Authorities in all affected states continue to stress the dangers of driving through floodwaters. Motorists are advised to heed barricades and warnings, avoid cruise control in wet conditions, and remain alert for sudden skidding.
With more rain in the forecast, residents are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions and safety alerts.
Source: The Tennessean, 10tv.com, 14news.com
4
Recent CommentsJD
JD
John Doe1 week ago
Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius!
100
JDJD
2repliesJD
John Doe1 week ago
Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius!
100
JDJD
2repliesJD
John Doe1 week ago
Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius! Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Repudiandae, exercitationem earum hic numquam assumenda voluptatem velit nemo consequatur sed, ullam, iste porro vitae eius placeat dolorum dolore dolor! Inventore, eius!
100
JDJD
2replies
Highway News
Accident Closes Borders Road Hours Before Speed Limit Reduction IntroducedA Borders road has been closed following a crash â just hours before a new speed limit designed to make it safer comes into force.
Emergency services were called out to the incident on the B6357 at Saughtree around 3.25pm on Sunday afternoon. It comes the day before the roadâs 60mph limit was due to be reduced to 50mph, as part of an 18-month trial aimed at reducing the number of smashes â although itâs unclear if speed was a factor on this occasion.
The initiative, as reported in Highways News last week, is targeting roads popular with motorcyclists, and will also see top speeds cut on the A708 between Moffat and Selkirk, A7 north of Galashiels, and the A6088 between Kielder and Bonchester Bridge.
The overall aim of this trial is to reduce casualties on routes with significant motorcycle injuries and the evaluation will focus on how effective the reduced speed limit has been in improving these statistics, says Scottish Borders Council.
âA robust evaluation of the trial will analyse the effect, if any, of a lower speed limit in reducing collisions involving motorcyclists on the four sections of road identified. The trial will cover two summer periods when motorcyclists are most active.â
The evaluation will take place in September 2026 and a consultation with the local communities and relevant stakeholders will take place alongside this to determine whether the 50mph speed limits or revert to national speed limit.
(Pic: Shutterbox/Dreamstime.com)road-bridge
07 April 2025
Roads & Bridges
Vermont To Cut Road Paving Nearly In Half Amid Budget StrainsVermont is set to significantly reduce the number of state-owned road miles it repaves in the coming year, raising concerns about long-term infrastructure sustainability.
According to the Vermont Agency of Transportation, just 125 miles are scheduled for repaving in the 2026 fiscal year â a nearly 45% drop from the 220 miles expected by June. Lawmakers say this reduction, the lowest in years, highlights deep challenges in transportation funding.
âThis is a symptom of a broader issue,â said Sen. Richard Westman, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. âWeâre in a bad place.â
Funding shortfalls stem from declining gas tax revenues and surging construction costs, up to 40% in some cases, according to a report from VTdigger.org. As vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric vehicle ownership grows, gas tax collections continue to shrink.
At the same time, the stateâs 10-year paving cycle goal is slipping, with projections suggesting intervals could stretch to 25 years.
Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said the agency prioritized a âresponsible budgetâ without raising taxes, but acknowledged paving often gets cut first due to federal funding rules.
Lawmakers are considering measures to stabilize funding, including capturing all vehicle sales tax revenue for transportation and exploring new fees for electric vehicles and delivery trucks.
Without new revenue, Vermont could forfeit hundreds of millions in federal dollars.
Source: VTDigger.org, Ground.newsroad-bridge
07 April 2025
New Civil Engineer (Road)
North Ayrshire Council Invites Bids For ÂŁ26M Road Upgrade ProjectNorth Ayrshire Council has officially opened the tendering process for the much-anticipated ÂŁ26M upgrade of the B714.
The project aims to enhance infrastructure along the B714, which serves as a vital link between the trunk road network from the A78 Sharphill Roundabout to the A737, situated south of Dalry.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by North Ayrshire Council to secure funding from the UK government, with ongoing discussions held with the Department for Transport (DfT) pertaining to aspects of the Outline Business Case (OBC).
The scope of works will primarily focus on the stretch of the B714 between Girthill Farm and a new roundabout on Kilwinning Road, positioned to the north-west of the existing Hillend roundabout.
The entire project is expected to span an 18-month duration.
Contractor requirements
The council tender stipulates that contractors interested in participating will need to demonstrate considerable financial capability, with a minimum yearly specific turnover of ÂŁ34.6M required over the previous three years.
North Ayrshire Council retains the right to scrutinise the financial information of bidders, potentially requesting further details if any contractorâs financial health score, calculated via company watch financial analytics, falls below a threshold of 25. Failing to meet financial prerequisites will result in automatic exclusion from the tender process.
In addition to financial stability, bidders must provide verifiable examples of relevant experience. Specifically, they are required to submit two examples of similar works undertaken within the last eight years, along with satisfactory references that are signed by previous clients. One of the projects must involve minework remediation or addressing unexpected ground conditions, ensuring contractors are prepared for unforeseen challenges.
Furthermore, potential bidders are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, given the growing emphasis on climate change. They are mandated to submit a completed Climate Change Plan Template that details their calculated carbon emissions and outlines plans to mitigate their environmental impact. Any bidders intending to use subcontractors must confirm their ability to manage and track a resilient supply chain, including evidence of prompt payment for invoices.
The deadline for contractors to express interest and submit their tenders is set for 12 May 2025.
Overall scope of project
The upgrade of the B714 road has received approval following a successful joint funding bid by North Ayrshire Council to the UK governmentâs Levelling Up Fund, which was announced in early 2023.
This enhancement aims to boost vital connectivity in the region, linking the trunk road network from the A78 Sharphill roundabout, part of the Three Towns bypass, to the A737 south of Dalry.
The B714 serves as a crucial route for various road users, including those travelling to the west coast and accessing ferry services to the islands of Arran and Cumbrae. The planned upgrade is set to significantly improve connectivity between North Ayrshire, Glasgow and the wider motorway network, while also enhancing the potential for tourism and economic development in the area.
Key benefits of the upgrade include:
B714 upgrade phase 1
The upgrade will proceed in phases, with Phase 1 focusing on the re-alignment of a 3.5km stretch of the B714 between Girthill Farm and a new roundabout on Kilwinning Road, adjacent to the Hillend Roundabout.
This phase will enhance visibility at junctions for vehicles entering and traversing the B714 and will include:
B714 upgrade phase 2
Phase 2 will extend the project from Girthill Farm to the A78(T) Sharphill Roundabout, which is visible at the right-hand side of the project diagram. This phase will also introduce a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians, facilitating an active travel route between Saltcoats and Dalry.
Construction is slated to begin in autumn 2025 and is anticipated to be complete by spring 2027, marking a significant advancement in regional infrastructure and ensuring that both rural and urban communities enjoy equitable access to essential services.
Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.road-bridge
07 April 2025
Highway News
The Uk Cities With The Most Pothole-Plagued Roads RevealedWith an estimated 1 million potholes on UK roads, drivers are becoming increasingly concerned about the rate at which roads are repaired and the costs of replacing car tyres damaged by poor road conditions. Â
Motoring experts at Blackcircles sent Freedom of Information requests to local authorities across the UK to reveal the areas with the most reported potholes over the past five years, the number of potholes repaired each year and the total annual cost of pothole repairs. Blackcircles also surveyed 2,000 people as part of their research, to determine what impact potholes have on UK motorists.
The full research can be viewed here, however the cities that âtopâ the list in England, Scotland and Wales were:
Newcastle comes out on top as the UKâs pothole capital
In 2024, 3,274 potholes were recorded in the northeast city across its 1,016 kilometres of roads. When comparing this figure to 2020, the number of potholes in Newcastle has increased by over three-quarters (88%). While the city came out on top for the number of reported postholes last year, it is also the city that repaired the most potholes. Across the city, 3,001 potholes were repaired per 100 kilometres of road.
Aberdeen has been named the pothole capital of Scotland
Following Newcastle at the top of the table, Aberdeen recorded the second-highest number of potholes in 2024, with 1958 per 100 kilometres of road. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of potholes in Aberdeen increased by over a third (35%. When looking at the cities where the most potholes were repaired, Aberdeen takes third place, with 1,323 potholes repaired per 100 kilometres of road in 2024.
Cardiff âbeatsâ other Welsh locations to be named Walesâ pothole capital
Despite the number of potholes in Cardiff rising by less than a tenth (5%) between 2020 and 2024, the Welsh capital finished third in the pothole ranklings overall. Last year, 1,574 potholes were recorded per 100 kilometres of road in Cardiff, while the capital had the second-highest number of potholes repaired at 1,588 per 100 kilometres.
The survey revealed the following about the state of UK potholes:
Further findings also revealed:
Blackcirclesâ James Harding commented on the findings from the pothole report:
âReports have suggested that the estimated cost of repairing England and Walesâ pothole-plagued roads could amount to almost ÂŁ17bn. The quality of the countryâs roads has been heavily in the spotlight over recent weeks, with the Prime Minister pledging ÂŁ1.6bn towards fixing the pothole pandemic the UK faces, but many believe more needs to be done.
âAs well as being a nuisance to motorists around the country, potholes are also putting a financial strain on local councils. The findings from our report revealed that Croydon was the area of the UK where the highest amount was spent repairing potholes, at over ÂŁ500,000 per 100 kilometres of road. When combining the total cost spent on pothole repairs across the top 10 local authorities in our research, over ÂŁ2.2 million has been spent, further highlighting the impact the quality of UK roads has on the countryâs finances.â
(Pic: RAC)road-bridge
04 April 2025
Highway News
Council To Receive Multi-Million Pound Road Improvement BoostRoads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to benefit from a major programme of investment and improvement. More than ÂŁ10million of Government funding has been allocated to support this work over the next 12 months â an extra ÂŁ2million compared to last year.
ÂŁ1.2million of funding will help the Council proactively prevent potholes across key routes â with a multi-million pound pot set aside for additional road resurfacing.
BCP Council is responsible for maintaining 780 miles of roads and pavements with proactive and reactive maintenance programmes ensuring priority problems are identified and fixed.
This funding is broken down into two areas â a portion for maintenance projects and a second allocation for âIntegrated Transport Blockâ schemes.
With nearly ÂŁ7.5million of maintenance funding secured for the next financial year, BCPâs team will be able to take on additional work aimed at preventing potholes and improving road surfaces.
Funding from the highway maintenance allocation will also be used to improve drainage across the highways network as well as undertake bridge maintenance and street lighting maintenance. The remaining ÂŁ3.1million of the budget is allocated to the Integrated Transport Block â funding used to plan strategic network improvements, deliver active travel, accessibility, public transport, road safety, network management and local traffic scheme improvements.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for highways maintenance and sustainable transport at BCP Council, said:
âWe know that potholes are a source of real frustration for motorists across our three towns; this increased funding ensures we can take more preventative action that will protect our roads.
âThis allocation, from central Government, will allow our maintenance team to respond to priority problem areas â improving the quality of our roads and, in doing so, the safety of them for everyone.â
(Pic: BCP Council)road-bridge
04 April 2025
Roads & Bridges
Multiple States Face Flooded Roads Following StormsSevere storms swept through multiple states Wednesday and Thursday night, leaving a trail of heavy rain, high winds, and road closures in their wake. Emergency officials in Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky are urging residents to exercise caution as floodwaters rise and debris blocks major roadways.
In Central Tennessee, flash flooding and downed power lines led to several road closures, particularly in Wilson and Williamson counties.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported closures along major interstates, with the northbound lane of Interstate 65 at mile marker 80 reopening by noon Thursday. Other affected roads include South Harpeth Road, Old Highway 96, and Floyd Road.
Ohio also experienced significant road disruptions due to storm debris. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reported lane closures on State Route 23 South at Rathmell Road and State Route 38 near Rosedale-Milford Road. However, prior closures on state Routes 315 and 310, as well as US-33, have since reopened.
Western Kentucky faced similar challenges, with officials emphasizing the importance of avoiding flooded roads.
In Hopkins County, emergency crews are monitoring flood-prone areas and preparing for additional rainfall in the coming days. Roads closed as of Thursday afternoon included KY 112, KY 502, and sections of State Route 62 in Ohio County.
Authorities in all affected states continue to stress the dangers of driving through floodwaters. Motorists are advised to heed barricades and warnings, avoid cruise control in wet conditions, and remain alert for sudden skidding.
With more rain in the forecast, residents are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions and safety alerts.
Source: The Tennessean, 10tv.com, 14news.comroad-bridge
04 April 2025
Highway News
Road Safety Charity Against âBlanket Speed Limit ReductionâIAM RoadSmart Road Safety Manager Scotland Stewart Mackie has issued a response to the Scottish Governmentâs consultation on the National Speed Management Review.
Mackie said:
âAs a road safety charity, we support measures that will reduce casualties on the network. However, we believe a blanket national speed limit reduction will be counterproductive and may even increase risky overtaking manoeuvres, which the data shows resulted in 70 fatalities between 2015 and 2020.
âWe support lower speed limits being applied where data and evidence suggest they will be most effective, which includes options for targeted speed limit reductions to even below 50mph on more dangerous stretches. Moreover, safety upgrades to road infrastructure will make a sizeable difference in reducing collisions, so those upgrades that were cancelled must be reconsidered.
âOpting for a blanket national speed limit reduction will not provide an adequate level of scrutiny of Scotlandâs major road collision hotspots. We hope ministers take this into consideration.âroad-bridge
04 April 2025
Highway News
Trl And Himachal Pradesh Recognised As A Shining Star In Global Road SafetyTRL, alongside the Himachal Pradesh Roads Infrastructure Development Corporation in India, has been recognised as a Shining Star in the prestigious 2024 iRAP Gary Liddle Memorial Trophy.
The award celebrates the worldâs best-performing road authorities in eliminating high-risk roads and was presented at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech. The collaboration between HPRIDCL has focused on improving road safety the state using TRL Softwareâs cloud-based Accident Analysis Software iMAAP, which enables data-driven decision-making, helping to identify and mitigate high-risk locationsâultimately saving lives.
Road crash data from 2018 to 2022, published by the Government of India, shows a 17 per cent decline in the number of road fatalities recorded in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
(File picture â Yay Images)road-bridge
03 April 2025
Highway News
Street Lights Switched Off Along Two East Riding Roads As Part Of Trial To Cut CarbonDrivers in the East Riding are being made aware street lights along two main roads are to be switched off this week as part of a national pilot project to save energy and cut carbon emissions along UK roads.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council was awarded ÂŁ3.3m to study more environmentally friendly ways of lighting main roads in the future, as more efficient car headlights will make some lampposts redundant.
The project is part of ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK, a three-year, UK-wide ÂŁ30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to make the local highway network much greener.
East Riding of Yorkshire Councilâs street lighting scheme is one of seven projects funded across the UK as part of the programme.
Each project is led by different local authorities working alongside groups of councils, commercial and academic partners, each looking at a different aspects of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and saving energy on Britainâs roads such as the design and construction of highways and the materials used.
The East Riding is leading a group of nine other authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the Live Labs 2 street lighting project. Each authority is carrying out its own studies to feed into the scheme, all with the aim of setting a new British Standard in road lighting, which has remained the same for years.
From Friday 4 April, motorists will notice that lights wonât be switched on at night along two stretches of main road as part of a trial carried out and led by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
The lights will be switched off along:
The trial will run for 12 months and the behaviour of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will be closely monitored.
Street lights in residential areas are not included in the scheme and will not be affected.
If the trial is proved successful, it could lead to more than a million street lights being switched off in out-of-town areas across the country, saving tonnes of carbon and millions of pounds of public money.
In the past year, the council has installed more than 80km of new highly reflective white lines, more than 5,000 solar powered illuminated road studs and more than 140 square metres of new, highly reflective signs on the A1079 and A164.
All are designed to give drivers all the visual indications they need to navigate the road without the need for traditional overhead lighting.
Karl Rourke, the councilâs service manager for street lighting, who is leading the project, said:Â âThe East Riding is at the forefront of this innovative project which could lead to a massive reduction in carbon and energy on UK roads.
âWe are now at a stage where we can turn off the now not-needed streetlights along two routes, knowing that we can do it safely.
âTo make sure the move is being done as safely as possible, we have created and tested a world-first artificial intelligence system that monitors driver behaviour and safety at key points along these two roads.
âThe system uses thermal imaging cameras to collect data and tells us how safely drivers are behaving under daylight and nighttime or poor visibility conditions.
âThis AI powered system is now active on both routes, and together with physical monitoring, is collecting data and is continuously checking safety for all road users as we switch away from street lighting to the new replacement technologies.â
The section of road along the A1079 will retain some lighting as the council will be switching over from standard street lighting to a new and innovative system of pedestrian-only lighting in the village of a Hayton, near Pocklington, to light the active travel route on both sides of the road.
The council is working with Sheffield University and the Institute of Lighting Professionals as part of the trial to discover new, alternative products and test their effectiveness.
Lighting the way
There are around 600 street lights in the East Riding trial areas.
Each light uses 100 tonnes of CO2 during its lifetime.
Twenty street lights use the equivalent amount of carbon to drive a family car to the moon.Â
Currently 80% of road accidents happen during daytime hours.
PIC-EAST RIDING COUNCILroad-bridge
03 April 2025
New Civil Engineer (Road)
ÂŁ5M Project To Reinstate EnglandâS âWonkiest Roadâ After Significant 2022 Landslip CompletedThe B4069 at Lyneham Banks in Wiltshire, dubbed Englandâs âwonkiest roadâ, has reopened to traffic following extensive remediation works to damage caused by a significant 2022 landslip.
The road, which serves as a vital link for the local community and once accommodated over 5,500 vehicles daily, was closed following the landslip that displaced around 90m of the carriageway, shifting it 40m down the hillside.
The landslip was attributed to several factors, including historical ground weaknesses, increased groundwater flow and additional pressure from nearby development. In fact, the B4069 earned its reputation as Englandâs âwonkiest roadâ due to its geological challenges and the councilâs local highways inspector had reported subsidence on the road over a year before the landslip.
Following the February 2022 incident, Wiltshire Council had to wait several months until the road stopped moving before it could establish the cause of the landslip and assess the best way to rebuild the road to prevent the landslip reoccurring. Once that was work was completed, the council drew up detailed plans on several options to repair the road before engaging with stakeholders and appointing a contractor, Octavius Infrastructure, which started the repairs work in July 2024.
Work to reinstate the road started in July 2024
Octavius completed the project on schedule and within its ÂŁ5M budget. The reopening ends lengthy detours for drivers and reconnects local communities previously split by the roadâs closure.
To address these issues and prevent future incidents, the project included the construction of a 108m-long contiguous bored pile retaining wall, built alongside the westbound carriageway. This wall consists of 120 reinforced concrete piles, topped with a capping beam of 1.5m in height.
In addition to the retaining wall, extensive drainage systems were installed both beneath the new carriageway and on the hillside above and below to manage water flow and reduce the risk of further subsidence.
However, the poor ground conditions presented challenges during the project, preventing crews from replacing unstable soilâa method deemed ideal. Instead, engineers had to compact the ground in a more time-consuming manner, working in nine separate 10m sections along the carriageway.
The project was completed on time and on budget
Throughout the project, buried obstructions complicated the excavation process, often requiring deeper digs to ensure the stability of the piling work. The fragmented drainage installation mirrored these challenges. Initial drains helped to dry out the ground, allowing teams to return to areas and complete the full drainage system. Limited access to the site, due to its rural B road status, further constrained the pace and number of concurrent operations that could be performed.
The successful reopening of the B4069 not only restores an important transport route but also exemplifies the complexities involved in civil engineering projects that must contend with challenging geological conditions. As the local community rejoices in the restoration of their road, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between infrastructure and the natural environment.
Key facts about the project
Octavius highways operations director Chris Hudson said: âThis was a challenge. About 90m of carriageway was lost. The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work, tackling such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions. But we are about bringing people together, so it was great to help reconnect communities affected by this lengthy road closure.â
Wiltshire Council corporate director place Parvis Khansari said: "Weâre delighted that the B4069 Lyneham Banks has finally reopened after several years of hard work to both restore the road and introduce measures to prevent the land from slipping again.
âThe closure has had a real effect on the local community and we thank them for their patience and understanding during the work.
âIâd also like to thank our officers and the team from Octavius Infrastructure, who have worked hard to deliver this project on time and on budget.
âThis reopening marks a significant milestone, ensuring safer and more reliable journeys for all who use the road.â
Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.road-bridge
03 April 2025Highway News
City Bridge Foundation Warns Silvertown And Blackwall Tunnel Tolls âPose Riskâ To Tower BridgeCharging motorists to drive through the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in east London may have a âdetrimentalâ impact on Tower Bridge, its custodians have warned.
The Silvertown tunnel, linking the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks, opens to traffic on Monday, making it the first new Thames road crossing in half a century.
Drivers will have to pay a toll to use the new twin-bore tunnel during peak hours â as well as the adjacent Blackwall tunnel connecting Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, but the City Bridge Foundation, which looks after five Thames bridges in central London at no cost to the taxpayer, is concerned that motorists will divert to the closest practical free river crossing, which is likely to be Tower Bridge, says the Evening Standard.
Simon Latham, the charityâs Chief Operating Officer, said increased traffic will have a âdetrimental impactâ on the Grade 1-listed landmark, famous for its Gothic towers and raising bascules allowing ships to pass beneath.
Mr Latham said: âItâs vital we do everything we can to protect the 130-year-old structure⌠We would urge TfL to closely monitor any impact on traffic flow.â
Meanwhile, National Highways is concerned that more traffic may use the Dartford Crossings on the M25, which at ÂŁ2.50 per crossing is significantly cheaper than both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels.
However, TfL claims its modelling suggested there would be no significant increase in traffic on Tower Bridge.
(Pic: TfL)road-bridge
02 April 2025Highway News
Octavius Completes Landslip RoadâS ReconstructionClosed following a major landslip in 2022, the B4069 at Lyneham Banks, Wiltshire, is now open to traffic once more. Delivered to schedule and budget, work to reinstate and future proof the road was completed by Octavius.
The project restores a major transport route which, prior to the landslip carried more than 5,500 vehicles each weekday. Communities will be reconnected and lengthy diversions brought to an end. What was once described as âEnglandâs wonkiest roadâ, is back in service, as Highways News first reported in September.
âThis was a challenge. About 90 metres of carriageway was lost. The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work, tackling such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions,â said Chris Hudson, Operations Director of Octaviusâ highways business, âBut we are about bringing people together, so it was great to help reconnect communities affected by this lengthy road closure.â
The landslip, which dislodged the section of the carriageway and transported it 40m down the hillside, was probably caused by a combination of historic weaknesses, increased groundwater flows, and additional loading due to nearby development.
Measures to restore the carriageway, and mitigate future subsidence, included a 108m-long contiguous bored pile retaining wall adjacent to the westbound carriageway, which was reconstructed on the original alignment. The wall comprises 120 reinforced concrete bored piles installed below a 1.5m-high capping beam.
The slope above and below the roadway was regraded, and drainage systems installed beneath the new carriageway and on the hillside above and beneath. Work to restore and protect the carriageway cost ÂŁ5 million.
The poor ground conditions that contributed to the road collapse also hampered the remedial work. It was not possible to clear out and replace the unstable ground, the ideal approach. Instead the ground had to be compacted sequentially, in nine separate ten-metre bays along the line of carriageway, a slower more incremental way of working. Buried obstructions were common throughout the route, often necessitating deeper excavations to ensure piling integrity.
As with the carriageway work the drainage programme was fragmented due to the ground conditions. Only after the installation of initial drains allowed the ground to begin to dry out was it possible to revisit an area and lay the full drainage system. Sitting on a rural B road limited access to the site, restricting the ability to undertake multiple activities simultaneously, which reinforced the linear, sequential nature of the way the location and ground conditions shaped the delivery of the project.road-bridge
02 April 2025Highway News
Asphalt Group Launches Action Plan To Deliver Roads That Last LongerRoad repair specialist Asphalt Group has put forward a series of recommendations to help make roads last longer after it was revealed that the backlog for road repairs in England and Wales has reached almost ÂŁ17 billion.According to the latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), more than half of the road network (52%) â around 106,000 miles â is reported to have less than 15 years structural life remaining. Almost a third of this number â 34,600 miles or one in six of the total â has only up to five years life left. Asphalt Group has put forward a five-point action plan to combat the decliningcondition of the UKâs roads.
The company is calling for the following actions to be implemented:⢠Provide long term and ring-fenced funding for local councils so they can deliver longer lasting roads.⢠Highlight the social and economic benefits of roads that are fit for purpose. Valued at approximately ÂŁ400 billion, the local highway network is the largest and most visible community asset for which local highway authorities are responsible.⢠Better collaboration across central and local government along with the supply chain to accelerate the transition to sustainable, better roads.â˘Prioritise the safety of drivers, cyclists and bikers which is currently being put at risk because of poorly maintained roads.⢠Move the narrative away from potholes and instead focus on asset management and solutions which extend the life of roads.
Asphalt Group Managing Director Stephen Cooke said:âWe cannot go on like this and things need to change. For a long time, the sector has called for longer-term funding so that councils can plan their road maintenance and ensure that roads last longer. In order to ensure the resilience of the transport network, focus needs to be put on using solutions such as preservation that will reinforce the asphalt and make roads last longer, reducing costs and improving efficiencies. The process can preserve the same asset [road surface] to extend its life for years.
âAsset management is all about extending the life of the asset, so instead of filling in potholes, engineers have the solutions to make roads last longer. After all, there are several social, economic, safety and environmentalbenefits that are brought about through building a longer lasting road network. Our action plan sets out what needs to be prioritised and we stand ready to deliver on this.â
The findings of ALARM 2025, which relate to the 2024/25 financial year, show that English and Welsh local authorities need an extra ÂŁ7.4m each to maintain the network to their target conditions. ÂŁ16.81 billion is now reported to be required, as a one-off, for local authorities to bring the network up to their âidealâ conditions.
Some 24,400 miles (12%) of the network are likely to need some form of maintenance in the next 12 months, but just 1.5% of the local road network was resurfaced in the last year with some 1.9 million potholes filled at a cost of ÂŁ137.4 million. Recently, the UK government demanded that councils prove their progress on pothole repair, or face losing cash as a result.
(Pic: Asphalt Group)road-bridge
02 April 2025Highway News
Net Zero By The Roadside: How Live Labs 2 Is Helping Cut Highways EmissionsHow can cutting grass on the roadside help power the very vehicles that maintain our highways, while also slashing carbon emissions?
Across the UK, local highways authorities are facing mounting pressure to decarbonise without sacrificing safety, budget, or reliability. The Live Labs 2 project has been working on seven real-world trials shaping the roads of tomorrow â from street lighting alternatives to circular biofuel solutions â helping turn innovation into business as usual.
Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode!
Thanks to our guest, Programme Director Giles Perkins (pictured), in todayâs podcast you will, among other things:
Hit play now to hear how Live Labs 2 is creating a blueprint for future-ready roads â and how your organisation can join the charge.
Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum, LCRIG, ADEPT and ITS UK.
(Picture â Highways News)road-bridge
02 April 2025Roads & Bridges
Revamping AmericaâS BridgesThe 2025 construction season has begun, and bridge projects across the country are moving forward. Today, bridge projects in Rhode Island, New York and Ohio take center stage.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has confirmed the execution of a $221 million federal grant dedicated to Rhode Islandâs Washington Bridge project.
âThis is good news for everyone, including the contractors bidding on the project, knowing there will be no delays,â said Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee at a press conference last week. âThe timing is right.â
The Trump Administration inherited over 3,200 unobligated grants from its predecessor, which had been promised but never implemented. These unfulfilled commitments resulted in delayed infrastructure investments nationwide. While funding for the Washington Bridge was initially proposed in the fall of 2024, the previous administration did not finalize the agreement.
Under Secretary Duffy, the Department of Transportation aims to accelerate the allocation of these long-overdue resources to improve critical infrastructure.
The westbound section of Washington Bridge on Interstate-195 has been closed since December 2023 because of significant structural failures discovered during reconstruction.
Issues such as severed tie rods, deteriorating post-tensioned concrete girders and poor concrete quality led officials to determine that a full replacement was necessary.
Washington Bridge serves as a vital transportation link. It spans the Seekonk River and connects Providence with East Providence.
Built in 1969, the westbound bridge carried five lanes of traffic and linked key highways. This connection plays a crucial role in regional travel between Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.
âHe clearly understands the economy is attached to these infrastructure improvements,â McKee said of Duffy.
A $61 million project to replace two aging bridges on Interstate 490 in Perinton, N.Y. begins today.
According to officials from the New York State Department of Transportation, westbound traffic on I-490 will be reduced to a single lane as crews work to replace the bridges spanning Kreag Road and the Erie Canal. Additionally, Exit 27 at Bushnellâs Basin was closed on Monday, and eastbound traffic will be limited to one lane starting April 7.
âBoth of these bridges are around 80 years old, built in the 1950's, so theyâve reached the point where they are beyond their useful life," Christopher Reeve, regional director at NYSDOT, said to WHAM 13.
Reeve explained that continued maintenance is no longer a practical solution. To manage traffic flow, NYSDOT is implementing a zipper merge.
In Grove City, Ohio, a construction project will result in the long-term closure of the Gantz Road Bridge.
According to officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the bridge over Interstate 270 will be closed for 120 days starting today.
The closure will allow for extensive rehabilitation. The project includes replacing and repairing guardrails, widening the bridge to accommodate a shared-use path and replacing the bridge deck, according to a report from WBNS 10.
During the closure, a designated detour will direct drivers along Home Road, U.S. Route 62, Frank Road and back to Gantz Road.
Additionally, ODOT plans to conduct rehabilitation work on the McComb Road and Trabue Road bridges over I-270.
Sources: USDOT, Rhode Island Current, WHAM 13, WBNS 10.road-bridge
01 April 2025Highway News
Scotland: Plans Submitted For Segregated Active Travel Route Between Aviemore And CarrbridgeA planning application has been lodged today for a proposed 9km active travel route for walking, wheeling and cycling, which will provide a safer, more direct link between Aviemore and Carrbridge, linking up with existing routes in the area.
Following feedback from the public, the plans include a signalised crossing of the A95 at Granish.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: Â
âThe Scottish Government is committed to promoting active travel in Scotland and making it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling or cycling through safer routes.Â
âAs part of this ambition, we are working with our partners in the Cairngorms National Park Authority, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and Sustrans to deliver this new, safer Aviemore to Carrbridge route.
âActive travel is fundamental to all of this Governmentâs priorities and a vital enabler to our National Transport Strategy outcomes; making active travel easily accessible and safer for people of all ages.â
The 9 km segregated preferred route will provide a safer, more direct route between Aviemore and Carrbridge linking up with existing active travel routes in the area.
The new route will also provide an opportunity for circular trips between Aviemore, Carrbridge and Boat of Garten by using the existing Speyside Way.
(Pic: Mapillary)road-bridge
01 April 2025Highway News
Jenoptik To Provide Major Safety Boost For Essex A-RoadA key route across north Essex will benefit from a new scheme which aims make the road safer for road users and those living nearby.
Work started yesterday on improvements to the A120, designed to cut road traffic collisions as National Highways works to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the strategic road network.
The safety scheme features the installation of five new Jenoptik average speed safety cameras and associated signage along a section of the A120 between Marks Farm, Braintree and Marks Tey near Colchester.
As part of the improvements the current 60mph speed limit on the Coggeshall bypass west towards Bradwell and eastwards to Marks Tey will be permanently reduced to 50mph. Additionally, the 40mph speed limit through Bradwell will be extended 635m to the east.
Work on the ÂŁ2.6m project is expected to be completed during summer 2025.
Martin Fellows, National Highways Regional Director for the East region, said:
âSafety is, and will always be, our number one priority, and we understand how important improved safety is to those who use this route as well as those who live nearby. Our work has identified sections of the A120 where we believe safety improvements can be made. These changes to the speed limit aim to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions which helps keep traffic flowing and creates safer roads for everyone.â
To minimise disruption to road users the works will be carried out on weekday nights, usually between 9pm â 6am, weather permitting. During the works drivers should allow additional time to complete their journeys.
(Pic: Mapillary)road-bridge
01 April 2025Highway News
New Kingsway And Destiny Bridge Opens In PerthThe New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge, the significant new transport infrastructure helping to reduce congestion in Perth city centre, opened on 31st March 2025, in a ceremony led by First Minister, John Swinney, Perth and Kinross Council Leader, Grant Laing, and local athletics champion, Eilidh Doyle.
Known collectively as the Cross Tay Link Road project, Destiny Bridge and the New Kingsway, are key elements of the Perth Transport Futures infrastructure project linking the A9, the A93 and the A94 by providing a crossing over the River Tay.
The project also includes a 12km active travel path network, connecting the neighbouring communities with Perth city centre and providing alternatives to vehicular traffic. The path network also connects a central hub at a new Park-and-Choose area, and incorporates a green bridge to separate active travel users and wildlife from the road.
Together, the active travel path network and improved transport infrastructure will deliver on the projectâs key priorities of reducing congestion and improving air quality in Perth city centre. Scottish Government, through Transport Scotland, has provided a ÂŁ40m funding contribution to Perth and Kinross Council.
First Minister John Swinney said, âThe completion of the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge is a significant milestone for Perth, and I have no doubt that it will be transformative for the area and bring enormous benefits to all who use it.
âReducing traffic volumes in the city centre will make journey times quicker, while also helping to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and free up road space for improved public transport.
âOur ÂŁ40 million investment in the New Kingsway and Destiny Bridge is in addition to the ÂŁ150 million Scottish Government has already committed to the Tay Cities Region Deal, which is expected to create 6,000 jobs and lever a further ÂŁ400 million of investment into the region.
âThis project showcases exactly how, with the right investment and strong partnerships, we will continue to deliver on my priorities of growing the economy, improving public services and protecting the planet.â
(Pic: Kingsway Transport Futures)road-bridge
01 April 2025Highway News
Durham Pcc Commits To Safer Roads With Raft Of InitiativesThe Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham is committing to safer roads by promising more mobile speed cameras and new awareness and education campaigns to promote safe driving.
Joy Allen told the Northern Echo newspaper: âPeople continuously contact me with concerns about speeding vehicles and safety for all road users. It is a fact that too many people are killed or seriously injured on the roads.â
In an article she shared on her LinkedIn page, sheâs quoted as saying: âWe know from our extensive engagement work the public want to help us make our roads safer, whether that is by submitting dashcam footage, being part of a local community speed watch scheme or most importantly using our roads and shared spaces responsibly and abiding by the laws of the road.â
She also talked about public education around drink-driving, with her quoted as saying: âDrink or drug driving is a selfish and inexcusable act. It is vital our justice system sufficiently punishes those who recklessly gamble with peopleâs lives and cause these devastating tragedies to prevent them from harming other innocent people in the future.â
In January, Ms Allen, who is Association of PCCs joint lead on policing and transport told a Project EDWARD event in Parliament: âLast yearâs operation involved 44 police forces across England and Wales and nearly 50,000 breath tests, almost 10% of these tested positive, failed or refused,â she said. âNearly 7,000 drug tests were conducted, with nearly 50% of these testing positive, and our police officers, thankfully made thousands of arrests as a result, drivers who put themselves and other road users in danger through alcohol and drugs deserve to pay a high price for their recklessness and selfishness.â
(Picture â Yay Images)road-bridge
31 March 2025Highway News
Options Considered â And Ruled Out â For Hammersmith Bridge FutureMore details have emerged about the first meeting in three years of the Hammersmith Bridge Task Force, which is considering what to do about the London river crossing which has been closed for six years because of structural safety issues.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has obtained minutes of the meeting on 30 January through a Freedom of Information request. It has found that proposals to turn the bridge into a completely inaccessible âmonumentâ, or to demolish and replace it with a brand new river crossing, were both suggested by the Government but rejected by the group, which is made up of Department for Transport officials, council representatives, MPs on either side of the bridge, Transport for London, and Londonâs deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance.
It says one option being considered is to reopen the bridge for all users, including motor vehicles, by building a temporary, double-decker truss through the existing bridge to allow the structure to be repaired while vehicles drive through it. Other options on the table are bridge repair and restoration, sufficient to allow for active travel (pedestrians and cyclists) only plus two single decker buses or bridge repair and restoration, sufficient to allow for pedestrians and cyclists only.
You can read a full report into what the LDRS has found on FulhamSW6.com here.
(Picture â LBHF)road-bridge
31 March 2025