Contract Details

• This design and construct major highway project was undertaken in partnership with the Highways Agency, Costain Skanska UK Joint Venture, Mott MacDonald and Aggregate Industries.
• Walters’ contract included 2.0 million m³ of earthmoving and the disposal off site of 1.5 million m³ of this quantity. The project comprised the construction of 23 Km of new two lane dual carriageway to improve the existing A43 between the M1 and M40 motorways through Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
• The project involved working alongside the existing live M40 motorway to provide an improved interchange at Junction 10 and extensive dualling and improvement of the existing carriageway, all involving careful attention to traffic management.
• To accommodate the off-site disposal Walters sought and obtained Planning Approval to reprofile and restore 150 acres of farmland. Walters retained ADAS to advise on restoration aspects and the highest possible standards are being achieved. The resultant landscape created as a result of the disposal works is such that it is now impossible to detect that earthworks on a major scale have been undertaken. The works have included extensive replanting of hedgerows and the creation of wildlife habitats and lakes
• The project initially suffered a 12 week delay as a result of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak. In response to this situation Walters recovered the lost time by increasing their previously intended plant and staff resources on the project and succeeded in completing all bulk earthworks by September 2001. Walters employed 120 items of plant and 150 men on this project.
• Walters also processed site won rock into capping layer and other pavement materials.