Newsroad-bridge£100M Overhaul Of M2 Junction 5 In Kent Completed
road-bridge
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Feb 06, 2025£100M Overhaul Of M2 Junction 5 In Kent Completed
The £100M improvement scheme at the M2 junction 5 in Kent has reached completion, promising significant upgrades to one of the country’s busiest and historically dangerous intersections.
The project was carried out by Graham on behalf of National Highways and was initiated in June 2021 under Road Investment Strategy (RIS 2). It aims to improve connectivity, safety and overall traffic flow.
Situated at the crucial junction of the M2 and A249, the upgrade is expected to enhance travel between the Isle of Sheppey, Maidstone and the M20 motorway – one of the main routes linking Dover to London and Sheerness.
Key features of the renovation include the newly constructed Stockbury flyover, which spans roughly 1.5km. This bridge is designed to alleviate congestion by removing the need for vehicles to navigate the heavily trafficked Stockbury roundabout. Built with 1,500 customised Reinforced Earth RECO panels, the flyover aesthetically integrates with the surrounding landscape, incorporating locally sourced flint and cobble to reflect the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Two substantial reinforced concrete bridges that support the flyover were installed using a 450t mobile crane, with operations carried out during August and October 2023, all without disrupting the flow of traffic.
In addition to the flyover, the improvements include the addition of two new slip roads that provide motorists direct access from the A249 to the M2, effectively bypassing the Stockbury roundabout and further reducing congestion.
A redesigned gyratory system for the existing roundabout is also part of the upgrade, and it now features the removal of previous traffic lights, along with a new, safer link road connecting Maidstone Road and Oad Street.
Graham engaged actively with the local community throughout the project. Initiatives included support for local facilities, volunteer days and charitable contributions to organisations such as Demelza Hospice, Maidstone Homeless Care and Dandelion Time. This community-focused approach earned the project top marks from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reflecting a strong commitment to social value and environmental responsibility.
Graham contracts director Dave Brown said: “It is with great pride that we announce the successful completion of the M2 Junction 5 Improvements Scheme, which is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of the entire team. We are proud to deliver a project that not only improves safety and connectivity for motorists, but leaves a lasting positive impact on the community.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their efforts and the local residents for their support throughout this journey.”
National Highways project manager Jilwan Rahimi said: “We are incredibly proud to have completed a project of this scale and be leaving behind a positive legacy for the local community.
“We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding while carrying out this work, which will provide smoother and safer journeys for thousands of road users every day.”
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Highway News
Oxfordshire: £7.4 Million Road Resurfacing Programme To Begin Next MonthNearly 100 roads across Oxfordshire will be improved as part of a £7.4 million highway maintenance programme beginning this spring.
Oxfordshire County Council and its contractor will be visiting 73 towns and villages between 22 April-16 June to carry out surface dressing work. Over one million square metres of carriageway will be treated.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:
“Prevention is better than cure, and this work builds on a similar programme of work, which we carried out last year.
“We realise how important the quality of our roads is to our residents and this work will help keep many miles of highways in a better condition for years to come. Surface dressing is one of the most cost effective methods of roads maintenance, with the spring and summer being the best time to complete the work.
“The council is urging motorists to watch out for notifications of the work taking place and to drive carefully after it has been carried out.”
Driving too fast on a recently treated road can result in broken windscreens or chipped paintwork, as the friction from the tyres can dislodge loose chips. There is also an increased risk of skidding while the new chippings ‘bed in’.
For these reasons, an advisory speed limit of 20mph will be put in place. It is important to adhere to these low speeds until all warning signs have been removed.
Surface dressing involves applying bituminous emulsion onto the road as a binder. This is followed immediately by the application of chippings to dress the emulsion layer.road-bridge
14 March 2025
Highway News
Snacks Over Safety: One In Five Skip Essential Car Checks Before Road TripsNearly one-fifth (17%) of UK drivers admit they skip essential vehicle maintenance checks before a road trip, new research from National Highways today reveals.
In 2024, there were 282,949 reported breakdowns on the UK’s motorways and major A roads, and on average, surveyed drivers who have experienced a breakdown estimated nearly an hour of added delays to their journey. Yet, while many of these breakdowns could have been avoided if car safety checks had been conducted, only 60% see these as essential, with many prioritising packing drinks and snacks (65%) instead.
The research, based on a poll of 1,487 adults, reveals that prepping and packing the car adds 16-30 minutes on average to the total road trip time. For those travelling with kids, it typically takes longer (45 minutes to an hour on average)1.
The most common tasks are packing drinks and snacks (86%) and spare clothes (86%), charging entertainment or mobile devices (77%) and making packed lunches (66%)1.
Only two-thirds (65%) check their tyre tread depth before a long journey, 66% check the oil level and top up if necessary and just 63% plan appropriate rest stops for their journey. The main reasons why nearly a fifth (17%) of drivers put off doing vehicle safety checks before leaving the house is that they rely on someone else to do it (28%) or assume it’s covered by their annual MOT check (21%)1.
Sheena Hague, Director of Road Safety National Highways, said:
“Packing for a trip is rarely straightforward, especially when the family is involved. While most focus on packing personal essentials, simple – but important – things like checking your tyres, topping up your oil and fuel, planning your route and checking the weather forecast are often overlooked. That’s why we have partnered with Halfords to encourage drivers to take a few minutes to prepare before a long journey.”
To coincide with this new research, National Highways is launching its T.R.I.P. and Sip event in partnership with Halfords.
T.R.I.P. is an acronym which reminds drivers to:
The event takes place tomorrow, Saturday 15 March, at the Halfords store in Colchester, giving drivers a hands-on opportunity to learn crucial vehicle safety checks.
Road users can bring their own cars and hear expert guidance from National Highways’ Traffic Officers and Halfords’ trained mechanics. They’ll demonstrate how to check tyre pressure and tread depth, oil and fluid levels, and overall vehicle readiness.
Not everyone feels comfortable checking their own car. Last autumn, 23% of drivers admitted they weren’t confident checking their tyre tread depth, while 16% felt unsure about checking tyre pressure3. However, essential T.R.I.P. safety checks can prevent delays and breakdowns caused by road incidents, poor weather, or running out of fuel.
By focusing on education, drivers will leave the event with the confidence to perform these essential checks before their next long journey.road-bridge
14 March 2025
roads & bridges
Tennessee Working To Reopen Bridge Damaged By Hurricane HeleneCrews with Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Norfolk Southern are working to replace a bridge in Newport, Tenn., that was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, a key step in restoring rail service between Newport and North Carolina.
The replacement bridge is expected to be installed during the week of March 10.
The bridge, along with the rest of the AS rail line, which runs from Newport through Asheville, N.C., and Old Fort, N.C., has been closed since the hurricane struck last fall.
Initial damage assessments found extensive destruction caused by the storm, including washed-out tracks, damaged bridges and other infrastructure failures. Crews have been working steadily to repair the line, and the bridge replacement is one of the final steps in this lengthy recovery process.
The new bridge installation marks a milestone in the railroad’s efforts to restore service to western North Carolina by the end of the month.
Norfolk Southern spokespersons emphasized that the replacement bridge is vital for reopening the rail line.
The railroad has targeted March 31 as the completion date for restoring service between Newport and Grovestone, a region of Black Mountain, N.C., east of Asheville.
Once the bridge is in place, Norfolk Southern will be closer to fully reopening the AS Line and resuming rail service across the region.
Source: Wate.com, WVLT.comroad-bridge
14 March 2025
roads & bridges
Saginaw Michigan Bridge To Close For ConstructionSouthbound lanes of Interstate 75 and the Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw, Mich. will be closed for preventative maintenance starting in April, with the first stage lasting through June.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that the closure will affect the stretch of I-75 from Kochville to Wadsworth Road. The maintenance includes repairs to expansion joints, deck patching, and resealing.
Stage one of the project will begin on Monday, April 14, and is expected to end on Friday, June 27. During this time, southbound I-75 will be detoured onto southbound Interstate 675 from the I-675 junction north of Kochville Road to the southbound I-75/I-675 interchange south of Wadsworth Road.
Additional closures include the southbound I-75 ramp to Adams Street and the Adams Street ramp to southbound I-75.
Detours will direct traffic through southbound I-675 and Tittabawassee Road (Exit 6) to Adams Street and vice versa. The northbound I-675 ramp to southbound I-75 will also be closed, with detour routes via northbound I-75, Highway 84 (Exit 160), and southbound I-75.
Work on the northbound lanes is set to begin July 14, with detour details to be announced in advance.
The entire project is slated for completion in November.
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation, WNEM.comroad-bridge
13 March 2025
roads & bridges
Major I-25 Closures In Colo. As Castle Rock Bridge Work BeginsColorado’s Interstate 25 will experience nighttime closures south of Castle Rock this week as construction crews install bridge structures for the Crystal Valley Interchange Project.
The project, a collaboration between the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety.
It includes a new bridge over I-25, West Frontage Road and BNSF Railway tracks. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Closures will occur in phases:
Crews will use two large cranes to install 53 bridge girders, the largest measuring 130 feet and weighing 80,000 pounds.
Residents said the project will ultimately improve access and reduce congestion despite temporary inconveniences. According to a report from Denver 7 News. Motorists are advised to use Colorado State Highway 83 as an alternate route and check COtrip.org for updates.
Source: Denver 7 News, 9 News.comroad-bridge
12 March 2025
Highway News
Cleaner, Greener, Safer: School Pupils Get Safety Boost From Road Safety InvestmentA local primary school in Manchester is among the first to benefit from an investment into road safety in efforts to better keep pupils safe.
Alma Park Primary School, based in Levenshulme, has welcomed an introduction of double yellow lines near the school for children and parents on the school run to avoid the dangers posed by unauthorised parked cars as well as cars travelling in and out of the area.
The local school has been the first to have the major new road safety measures installed as part of Manchester-wide project funding from Clean, Green, Safer, Investment Programme. The £15million investment project, which will be carried out over a three-year span, will improve factors such as local roads, green spaces and replacing all litter bins.
Around £2.2million of the investment will be exclusively used to continue improving road safety for children and parents. Whether they choose to walk, cycle or ride into school they can be assured that active travel in their communities will be supported by becoming cleaner, greener and safer.
Some areas will also get new double yellow lines, while others will see new bee-adorned bollards, guard rails outside busy schools and speed bumps all with the aim of fostering a safe environment for everyone.
The investment back into local communities is a wider push in recognising Manchester as a Child Friendly City where children feel safe to walk, wheel or cycle to school.
Following the double yellow lines being installed, Alma Park Primary School has seen a significant reduction in anti-social parking outside the school. Children and parents have reported feeling more confident in travelling to and from the school, now knowing they can comfortably be in the area without the dangers of unwarranted cars.
Find out more about the Clean and Green MCR Campaign including the investment programme and what is happening in your local area and how you can join us.
Councillor Tracy Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said: “I am thrilled to see the installation of double yellow lines outside Alma Park Primary School and how it has already had an impressive impact on the safety of children and parents during the school run.
“This initiative, part of our Clean, Green, Safer Investment Programme, aims to improve general safety across the city and foster better community relations as we stem the flow of traffic and make areas feel safer for everyone. It’s great to see how this is also encouraging residents to actively walk or cycle to school.
“I look forward to seeing the continuation of this project and how we can instil confidence in other school communities in Manchester.”
Richard Williams, the Headmaster at Alma Park Primary School, said: “As a result of the double yellow lines more children can now more safely and confidently cycle, scoot or walk to school without the obstruction of parked cars on Errwood Road.
“We hope to see a reduction in air pollution around the school and I am very pleased to see the real-life benefit of the Council’s investment taking shape. We hope this will continue to encourage our community to embrace active travel.”
PIC-Manchester CCroad-bridge
12 March 2025
Highway News
Cambridgeshire: Busway Timetable Changes As Congestion Hits HomeCambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator has called for more to be done to tackle congestion, after it was forced to adjust its Busway timetables to give more time for buses to get through the traffic in Cambridge.
The changes, which will come into effect from Sunday 20 April, with Busway Service B seeing minor timetable updates at peak times due to congestion in the city and Service A will now travelling to St Ives via Park Terrace instead of Gonville Place. In St Ives, it will no longer serve the Industrial Estate and will instead start and finish at the first and last stops on Marley Road. Off-peak, the frequency of the A Service to and from Marley Road will now be every 30 minutes.
For Service 5, the 5:30pm trip from Cambridge will now terminate at Longstanton.
Ross Barton (pictured), Operations Director at Stagecoach East, said: “We only ever make changes to our timetables after considering every option, but the fact is that congestion in and out of Cambridge means that our buses just cannot meet the times set on existing timetables.
“We know what an important artery the Busway is for people needing to travel into Cambridge, so I would call on everyone concerned with our local roads to continue to work together to avoid delays.
“We live and operate in a dynamic, forward-looking city, and the Busway is an essential part of that, so we need to make sure that buses are able to get through.”road-bridge
11 March 2025
Highway News
£175 Million Green-Lit To Improve Roads And Public Transport In The East MidlandsThe East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board has approved nearly £175 million in funding for transport in the region in the next year (2025/26) – with a further £19m also being consider down the line. £88 million of this funding is new to the region and is thanks to the East Midlands having a regional Mayor and a Combined County Authority.
As we reported last month, the money will be used for urgent road repairs, better transport connections, and projects that help people travel by foot or bike and will be divided between EMCCA and four local councils, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
EMCCA will manage funding for large regional projects, such as junction improvement works which are a key planning condition for enabling the new A50 junction (South Derby Growth Zone). Plus, EMCCA funding willsupport the works on the A614/A6097 scheme (Nottinghamshire). A commissioned study will start the work to review the potential for expanding the Nottingham Express Transit system to support housing and job growth.
Notable Projects:
* Derby City Council will receive funding for several key projects, including the A52/A52T Spondon Interchange to allow better traffic flow and support active travel initiatives, making it easier and safer forpedestrians and cyclists.
* Nottingham City Council will focus on improving major roads for walking and cycling, as well as upgrading real-time parking information systems.
* Derbyshire County Council will invest in repairing roads and works to help prevent landslips, particularly on key routes. * Nottinghamshire County Council will focus on maintaining and upgrading its roads, along with planning for future transport projects.
Funding Allocations:
* £66 million for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2 (CRSTS2): This funding will support road repairs, improvements to highways, and projects to make walking, cycling, and public transport easier.
* £21 million for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP): This funding will be used to make bus services more reliable, affordable, and accessible across the East Midlands.
* £75 million for Highways Maintenance Block: EMCCA will receive this funding, £22m of which, is extra money the region is getting because it has a Mayoral Combined Authority. This will go on road repairs in2025/26.
* £12.86 million for Integrated Transport Block Funding: EMCCA is expecting this funding to deliver activities across the local transport network.
* £7.27 million for Active Travel Fund: The region has been awarded this funding to improve walking, wheeling and cycling and infrastructure.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a huge step forward for transport in the East Midlands. We want to investing millions to build a better, more connected future for our communities. This funding w make a real difference to everyday lives, making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, whether by bus, bike, oron foot, while also tackling much-needed road repairs.
“By working closely with our local councils and partners, we will ensure every pound is spent wisely to improve transport links, reducecongestion, and support greener, more sustainable ways to travel. This is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about connecting people to opportunities, whether that’s jobs, skills training, education, orour fantastic local attractions.
“Our ambition is clear: to create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous East Midlands in the future. We want this region to be a place where people and businesses can thrive, and this funding, when approved, will be a major step toward achieving that vision.”road-bridge
11 March 2025
New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
All 91 Deck Planks Installed On Sunderland’S New Wear FootbridgeThe construction of the New Wear Footbridge in Sunderland has reached a significant milestone with the installation of the last of 91 deck planks, which will create the structure’s walking surface.
This bridge, designed to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, is a vital element of the broader £1bn Riverside Sunderland development project.
The deck planks, measuring 10m in width, were installed by contractor VolkerStevin using a specially designed trolley system that enhances efficiency in the construction process. Each plank was lifted by crane from the southern riverside park and carefully placed onto the trolley, which transported it to the desired location on the bridge.
The bespoke trolley system, equipped with winches, played a pivotal role in the bridge’s construction, allowing workers to move from south to north and safely and precisely install the planks while providing access to the edges for secure placement.
The trolley system at work
After positioning, the planks were secured together
Now all planks are in position, they are being secured together using in-situ concrete to create a seamless deck surface. This is the first stage of the finishing works for the bridge.
Spanning over 250m and standing 30m above the River Wear, the New Wear Footbridge will serve as a crucial connection point between Sunderland city centre and the Sheepfolds area.
Upon completion, the footbridge is anticipated to significantly enhance pedestrian and cyclist access in Sunderland, aligning with the city’s goals for active travel and low carbon initiatives.
Placement of the 91 planks started in January
Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration Kevin Johnston said: “The laying of the final plank is a significant milestone for this incredibly important project, which is a key part of Sunderland’s ongoing transformation.
“To get all 91 of these mammoth, steel reinforced pre-cast concrete deck planks put in place so quickly and efficiently in just over one month is testament to the skill and know-how of our partners at VolkerStevin, who are delivering this project that will provide a fantastic new link between a vibrant Keel Square and newly-created Sheepfolds neighbourhood.
“Sunderland has a proud history of construction and engineering innovation, so to see this tailor-made trolley working effortlessly, carrying tons of steel-reinforced concrete with such accuracy and precision in our city is a real point of pride.
“Credit must go to the crews who have worked tirelessly on the new footbridge. They worked throughout the storms that buffeted the UK, including Storm Eowyn that struck just as the deck plank installation operation was about to begin.
“I can’t wait to see this bridge open, as it will not only provide a vital link in our city, but it will also provide a bird’s eye view of the ongoing development of Riverside Sunderland, the most exciting urban regeneration project in the UK.”
VolkerStevin project manager Will Davies said: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for the entire team. Installing the final deck plank marks a significant step towards the completion of this landmark structure. Despite challenging weather conditions, the team has worked tirelessly to keep progress on track, and we’re excited to see the bridge take its final shape in the coming months.”
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11 March 2025
roads & bridges
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Issues Permit For Key Bridge RebuildThe reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge took a major step forward Wednesday as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, issued a permit for its rebuild.
The approval grants the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) the ability to move forward with replacing the bridge, which connected the Interstate 695 Beltway before its collapse last year.
The announcement comes just weeks before the one-year anniversary of the tragic March 26, 2024, incident, when the cargo ship Dali struck the bridge, causing it to fall into the Patapsco River.
Six construction workers lost their lives in the disaster.
“Less than one year after the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore District is proud to have provided fair and efficient permitting efforts to enable the construction of a new bridge,” said Col. Francis Pera, commander of the Baltimore District, in a statement.
Geotechnical investigations are ongoing, with test pile operations, pier demolition, and trestle construction set to begin this summer, according to the Army Corps.
In-water construction is expected to commence by early fall 2025. The project will also require additional permit verification from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told WTOP the estimated cost of the new bridge is nearly $2 billion, with completion expected by 2028.
Source: WTOP News, Yahoo Newsroad-bridge
10 March 2025Highway News
Cambridgeshire Busway Set For Improved Sunday ServiceThe Cambridgeshire Busway will see an improved service from April – with buses running up to every 15 minutes.
The changes, which will come into effect from Sunday 20 April, will see Service A increase from hourly to every 15 minutes from St Ives Park and Ride to Cambridge City Centre. This improves the frequency and capacity from St Ives Park and Ride and Orchard Park to Cambridge City Centre. This will replace some journeys on Service B, which will now run hourly.
David Boden, Director of Business Development at Stagecoach East, said: “We are delighted for our loyal Busway customers that they will now be able to access a service every 15 minutes on Sundays. The Busway really is a wonderful way both to get into Cambridge and also to get out into our lovely countryside, maybe to go for a family meal or walk on a Sunday.
“The Busway runs right through some of the most beautiful countryside in our region, and is an easy and great value way to get out and about. Watching the scenery go by as you travel between Cambridge, St Ives, and Huntingdon is a wonderful way to spend time.”
Pic: Stagecoachroad-bridge
10 March 2025New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
Construction Of Finland’S Biggest Bridge Sees Completion Of 135M-Tall Diamond-Form PylonConstruction on Finland’s tallest and longest bridge has reached a crucial milestone with the completion of its distinctive 135m tall diamond-form pylon.
This key structural feature is part of the Kruunusillat (Crown Bridges) scheme in Helsinki, designed by Knight Architects and engineering consultancy WSP Finland.
The 1.2km long bridge will link Helsinki’s city centre with the new island suburb of Laajasalo, a move aimed at facilitating the development of a new waterside community.
The primary feature of the main span, the Kruunuvuorensilta crossing, includes a slender 135m diamond-shaped pylon that supports two cable-stayed spans, each measuring 250m in length.
The pylon's diamond-shaped design not only serves a structural purpose but also pays homage to the historical crown ownership of the Helsinki bay area
Currently, cables are being affixed to the pylon, after which the temporary supports will be removed.
The diamond-shaped design not only serves a structural purpose but also pays homage to the historical crown ownership of the Helsinki bay area, and it is anticipated to become a recognisable symbol of the city. Upon completion, it will stand as the tallest bridge structure in Finland.
In a notable departure from traditional bridge designs, the Kruunusillat project will be car-free, instead supporting a new light rail line that will enhance connectivity to Helsinki’s tram network, as well as providing pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.
This initiative aligns with Helsinki’s broader sustainability goals, which include a vision to become a car-free city by 2030. Around £1bn worth or expansions to its tram network are in different stages of development.
The bridge will be car-free, instead supporting a new light rail line and providing pathways for cyclists and pedestrians
The Laajasalo area is being master-planned as a largely car-free community to encourage sustainable public transport and active mobility.
Knight Architects and WSP Finland were awarded the project after winning an international design competition in 2013. Construction began in late 2021, and the project is set for completion later this year.
Construction started in 2021 and is expected to be completed this year
Knight Architects director Tom Osborne said: “We have been working on Kruunusillat for over a decade, so it’s fantastic to have reached this critical milestone in its delivery. The distinctive diamond now provides Helsinki with an instantly recognisable addition to its skyline, that we hope soon comes to symbolise not only the identity of this wonderful city, but it’s continued efforts to shift to sustainable transport modes.
“At Knight Architects, we strive to design bridges that do much more than just connect A to B. We aim to create beautiful structures that respect and enhance their environment and generate lasting value, and Kruunusillat is a great example of that approach in action.”
All photos by Aarni Salomaa and provided by Knight Architects
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07 March 2025roads & bridges
Florida Bridge Construction Delayed Until SpringConstruction on the Little Pine Island Bridge in Matlacha, Fla. has been extended into spring, state officials announced, prolonging traffic congestion and business disruptions on Pine Island.
The bridge, the only route on and off Pine Island, has been under construction since June of last year.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) originally planned to complete phase one by now, which would have reopened both lanes. However, delays have pushed the timeline back, and no exact completion date has been given.
To speed up progress, FDOT has increased construction resources and added night shifts where feasible.
“We recognize the importance of completing this project as soon as possible,” said an FDOT spokesperson to Gulf Coast News. “While every effort is being made to expedite the project, safety remains our top priority.”
Despite these efforts, traffic backups continue to frustrate residents and tourists. Local business owners, including Cindee Tolliver of Trader’s Hitching Post, have felt the financial impact.
“It’s just like a punch to the gut,” said Tolliver in a statement to Gulf Coast News. “The last time I had a December this bad was 1997.”
FDOT officials addressed concerns at a recent public meeting, promising to keep business owners informed while working to minimize disruptions. However, with no firm completion date in place, many residents and business owners remain skeptical about when relief will come.
Until then, the island community must continue navigating long commutes and economic setbacks as they await the bridge’s long-overdue completion.
Source: Gulf Coast News, B1039.comroad-bridge
07 March 2025Highway News
£14.4 Billion Worth Of Damage: Careco Call For Safer Roads To Ensure Mobility Scooter SafetyMobility retailer CareCo has launched a campaign to showcase the dangers faced by everyday mobility scooter users on roads and pavements.
Contrary to popular belief, mobility scooters are allowed on pavements and roads, depending on what sort of scooter it is. There are different classes of mobility scooter, class 2 can drive on the pavement, and class 3 can drive on both the road and the pavement, but class 3 scooters are restricted to 8mph on the road and 4mph on the pavement.
The UK is estimated to have over 1 million potholes and an estimated 250,00-300,000 mobility scooters on the road according to the department for transport. The damage caused by potholes in England alone is an estimated £14.4 billion, but this doesn’t consider the risks to those who use mobility scooters.
According to recent road casualty data:
If a mobility scooter was to hit a pothole on the road, then it can cause damage to tyres, including punctures, but it could also cause an accident as riders could lose stability and veer into traffic which is dangerous for all road users.
Obstructed pavements are also dangerous for those using mobility scooters, as well as parents with prams and other pedestrians. Hazards such as parking on the pavement, are dangerous to mobility scooter users because it means that they cannot move freely across to where they need to go. Parking on the pavement can also land drivers with fines of up to £100 in some areas.
Will Harrison, CareCo founder, says, “The dangers of potholes to drivers are well documented, but the dangers to mobility scooters aren’t spoken about enough. Those who need mobility scooters are often more vulnerable members of society and can often be left in even more vulnerable situations through poor road maintenance, or carelessness of other drivers.
We want to raise awareness of the unseen dangers that mobility scooter users face every day. Potholes can cause significant damage to mobility scooters and put users in potentially dangerous situations, and obstructions on the pavement can also lead to mobility scooter users having to put themselves in potentially very dangerous situations by needing to use the road to pass.”
Pic: Trent Universityroad-bridge
06 March 2025roads & bridges
Federal Pause Halts Cape Fear Memorial Bridge FundingFederal funding for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Wilmington, N.C. has been temporarily paused following a freeze at the federal level, impacting a previously awarded $242 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Communications Officer Andrew Barksdale confirmed the pause to WECT News and said the department is working with federal partners to determine when the grant could move forward.
Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Mike Kozlosky previously told WECT on Feb. 24 that the project would not be significantly affected. However, Wilmington City Council members were notified of the funding halt just before their Feb. 27 meeting.
“This is a pretty significant pause for a pretty significant amount of money for a much-needed transportation initiative,” said Bill Saffo, Wilmington Mayor, in a statement. “We hope that the money will be there, but right now, who knows?”
Despite concerns, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina reassured that the funding remains under review but is not at risk of removal.
NCDOT Board of Transportation Representative Landon Zimmer echoed the sentiment, saying funding reviews are common during administrative transitions and that work on the project will continue.
The project’s estimated cost has also risen to $1.1 billion from $450 million, largely due to inflation.
Federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are set to determine the bridge’s height by March 2025, with environmental documents expected to be completed by 2026.
Source: WECT News, WilmingtonBiz.comroad-bridge
06 March 2025Highway News
National Highways Opens Up New Road In Cornwall As Part Of Major Dualling SchemeA section of the old A30 in Cornwall has this week reopened as the new B3288, providing improved connectivity for local communities.
Since opening the new dual carriageway last June as part of the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross road upgrade, National Highways and principal contractors Costain have been continuing ancillary work, such as local road connections, landscaping, hedging and planting along the 8.7-mile route.
As part of that programme, work on the old A30 near Zelah was completed over the weekend, with the new B3288 opened to traffic on Sunday night between Chybucca and Boxheater.
Finishing work, including the completion of a multi-species tunnel, has now started on the old A30 between Boxheater and Carland Cross, before that section reopens as the new B3285.
The closure was installed on Monday to enable work on this section, and the newly numbered road is scheduled to be reopened in early April.
During the full closure, traffic can access the A30 via the B3285, A3075 and A3076 and in the meantime National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys.
Andrew Alcorn, National Highways’ Programme Manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, said: “Opening the new dual carriageway has made a significant and positive difference to people’s journey times and opening the new B3288 section will also be good news for the village of Zelah and residents and businesses in that area.
“We’re progressing a significant amount of ancillary work, including planting, hedging and landscaping, and while we progress towards completion in early summer, we thank people in advance for their co-operation and patience.”
Pic: National Highwaysroad-bridge
06 March 2025Highway News
Borrowing Boost Of £120M For Welsh Local Councils To Fix RoadsLocal councils in Wales will soon be able to access up to £120m to repair more local roads over the next two years, under new plans set out in the Welsh Government’s Final Budget 2025-26.
The new local government borrowing initiative will provide an extra £10m of revenue funding to local councils to enable them to unlock an additional £120m of capital funding to accelerate the process of fixing our local roads and pavements.
The scheme will be designed in close partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and will be open for applications by the end of this financial year.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said:
“I am delighted that we are able to help local councils access the necessary funding to enable them to accelerate some of the much-needed repair work on local roads across Wales.
“Connecting our communities by fixing our roads is a key priority for us and we will continue to do all that we can to improve the future resilience of roads across Wales.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of WLGA and transport spokesperson said:
“I have been working closely with the Welsh Government on this initiative over recent months and I am really pleased to see it come to fruition. A previous initiative between 2012 and 2014 was highly successful and showed what can be achieved by councils when the right level of funding is available.
“This funding will enable significant improvements to roads, pavements and bridges across Wales.”
Last month Mr Skates also announced a funding boost of £25m to renew an extra 100km of Wales’ major roads and prevent around 30,000 road defects and potholes in the new financial year.road-bridge
06 March 2025Highway News
Midlands Leaders Call For Major Road Scheme Green LightMidlands Connect and five Midlands Council leaders are urging the kick-start of a key transport scheme linking the M54 and M6 motorways.
Plans involve the construction of a new road connecting Junction 1 of the M54 to Junction 11 of the M6 and in a letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, Telford & Wrekin Council, Staffordshire County Council, City of Stoke-on-Trent Council, South Staffordshire Council and Shropshire Council, along with Midlands Connect, have collectively urged the transport secretary to visit the area and see first-hand the potential benefits this project could deliver.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council said: “This proposal has been milling around since 2014. It’s time for action; approvals are in place and major work has already started on site. We know we can reply on a swift decision from government to make this scheme a priority in its spending review.
“Our partnership shows unwavering support for the project that even government-owned National Highways has said; ‘Will deliver economic growth, journey time savings and offers the best value for money to taxpayers.’ We invite the transport secretary to visit so we can facilitate a speedy decision and unlock the obvious benefits for the Midlands.”
According to Midlands Connect, a new direct connection would remove over a million cars and lorries from local roads, improve connectivity, reduce congestion and emissions by diverting trucks from urban A-roads, and support long-term regional investment.road-bridge
06 March 2025Highway News
Brightly Column: Uk Councils – Optimising The Management Of BridgesBridges are a key part of the UK’s highways and transport system that facilitate connectivity and the transit of communities while keeping them safe, says Nicola Casburn, Solutions Consultant at Brightly Software.
“Currently, it is becoming increasingly difficult for UK councils to manage their bridges because they have less resources to hand. Indeed, local authorities are effectively managing their entire asset networks with shrinking budgets.
In addition, there is a current skills shortage of highly trained engineers that are required to maintain the complexities of bridges and structures. This skills gap is being plugged with contractors – many of whom use their own systems to record the findings of inspections, leading to siloed data across diverse systems.Other challenges faced by UK Councils managing bridges include: ageing infrastructure, as many bridges were constructed decades ago and require ongoing monitoring to maintain their strength and safety structurally; budget constraints, as limited funding requires prioritisation for the maintenance of tasks, which can lead to deferred repairs and increased costs in the long run; the impact of climate change, as flooding, extreme temperatures and erosion pose growing threats to bridges’ stability; and a lack of a centralised data, which makes long-term planning difficult.”Leverage technology for smarter asset managementBy using digital tools, such as Brightly’s software offering, UK councils can rely on data-driven decisions to help them prioritise critical works, mitigate risks, carry out proactive maintenance and promote the longevity of their assets, including bridges.Our digital asset management tool, Confirm, is a user-friendly and robust system that supports smart management to facilitate local authorities’ service improvements. It centralises assets to simplify and streamline the processes involved with managing them.For the management of bridges, Confirm enables inspections to be undertaken according to industry guidance, in a consistent manner, and inspection results can be recorded on-site via the intuitive mobile app. Confirm also supports data analytics; for example, it is able to report on BCI (Bridge Condition Index) condition scores, as well as capture data required for Structures Asset Valuation and Investment toolkit (SAVI) analyses. The intuitive system is also able to manage and prioritise a workbank of maintenance activities that have beenidentified.In addition, the cutting-edge solution continually and intuitively scrutinises information that’s entered; handles complex analytics, and flags inefficiencies to avoid duplication of tasks or spending. The intuitive system generates data and reports, highlighting the presence of all assets in a given area, to enable works to be better planned and prioritised depending on the status of any given asset.
It also facilitates preventative maintenance, helping its users to operate more cost efficiently in the long run.Although the network of assets supporting UK roads is vast – from bridges and gantries, carriageways and footways, drainage and streetlights, traffic signals and retaining walls – with more detail and understanding of asset behaviours, local authorities can start to proactively manage maintenance schedules based on historical trends. Brightly’s digital tools can help them to achieve this.
Ultimately, Confirm enables councils to manage their bridges’ assets, as well as highways assets, in a single system, allowing for greater resilience, coordination and decision making.”
Learn more about Brightly Software’s digital solutions here.
Pic: Wirestockroad-bridge
06 March 2025roads & bridges
Construction To Begin On Wilbur Dam Road Bridge In TennesseeThe Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will begin construction this month on a new bridge over Wilbur Dam Road in Carter County, Tenn. The project aims to improve safety and reliability for vehicles traveling over Wilbur Reservoir and ensure continued access to the Watauga Dam recreation area.
The existing bridge, originally assembled in 1942 from a repurposed railroad bridge dating back to the 1890s, is load-restricted and requires annual inspections.
The new bridge will be built adjacent to the current structure before its removal to minimize disruptions to residents and visitors, TVA officials said.
“This investment in a new Wilbur Dam Road bridge will ensure safe and reliable access for recreation around the Watauga Dam area for many years to come, supporting the local economy through ongoing recreation visitors,” TVA said in a statement.
The new bridge will also be designed to accommodate large-scale hydro-maintenance equipment necessary for maintaining the clean-energy-producing dam.
TVA previously conducted an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act, including public input sessions and consultations with regulatory agencies such as the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
During construction, TVA said residents and drivers can expect occasional lane restrictions and heavy equipment traffic.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider, serving over 10 million people in seven Southeastern states while supporting economic development and energy reliability through infrastructure investments.
Source: WJHL News, Elizabethton Starroad-bridge
06 March 2025