Civil Engineering, Rail contractor & Build Specialists
A452 Europa Way, Princes Drive to Queensway—Roundabout Signalisation
A452 Europa Way, Princes Drive to Queensway—Roundabout Signalisation
CR Reynolds were appointed as Principal Contractor by Warwickshire County Council following a competitive tender process through their Engineering and Construction works framework to provide traffic congestion relief to the A452 and A425 leading to Leamington Spa. This was achieved by signalising the two roundabouts on Europa Way and providing additional traffic lanes, along with the promotion of sustainable travel through improvements to existing facilities for non-motorised users.
Action
- New traffic signals at two roundabouts
- Additional traffic lanes to improve capacity and flow
- Shared footpaths and off-carriageway cycle routes
- Enhanced pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities
- Innovative drainage rain gardens and swales solutions
The Project Works
These improvements were designed to create safer and more efficient travel for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists while also supporting active travel by connecting a corridor of cycling and walking links across the area. Owing to the existing congestion, strategic planning was key to the successful delivery of the project and we implemented stringent traffic management controls and Chapter 8 compliant layouts to ensure minimal disruption to road users. To facilitate this and to accommodate restrictions on carriageway working hours, we identified 13 key programme phases which enable productivity maximisation while allowing flexibility between online and offline working patterns. We constructed significant upgrades to the existing surface water drainage system and incorporated new rain gardens to provide sustainable drainage attenuation to accommodate the increased catchment area; these are Warwickshire Councils first rain garden installation and gained much attention.
The new traffic signals required extensive infrastructure with over 1km of traffic signal ducting installed along with 60 post retention sockets and chambers. This enabled controlled regulation of traffic and provided much needed safety improvements for pedestrian with new crossings.
We maximised available road space by designing and constructing a 240m3 gabion basket retaining wall and associated temporary works supports which allowed adjacent works to progress safely. To minimise disruption to road users, activities including surfacing and road crossings were carried out at night under road closures. By minimising construction noise during these works we were permitted to work longer into the night to maximise productivity. This was achieved through close collaboration with the local authority Environmental Health Officer and the production of a detailed noise assessment and noise mitigation plan. By implementing methods including acoustic screening, and use of electric plant we were able to secure a S61 permit allowing the installation of over 15,000m2 of new surface course to the carriageway with associated road markings .
Our collaborative approach also included close liaison with statutory undertakers to co-ordinate and manage the completion of 6 significant service diversions which were key to our phasing and project programme. Our statutory service co-ordinator maintained weekly communication to provide progress updates and identify any opportunities. We co-ordinated the installation of new power supplies and distribution system for the new, energy efficient and improved visibility, LED street lighting.
Result
The scheme was completed on time, within budget and to an excellent standard. Stakeholder satisfaction was maximised throughout, and these improvements will continue to serve the community for years to come.
The Difference We Made
The improvements carried out have created a safer and more efficient travel for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists while also supporting active travel by connecting a corridor of cycling and walking links across the area.