Project outline

The objective of the scheme was to offset the traffic that would be generated by the new London Gateway Port by widening the two lane circulatory section of the interchange of the A13/A1014 to three lanes.

Key challenges

The work required an understanding of the current and future traffic demands and planning of traffic management during construction to minimise delays and disruption. The existing A13/A1014 interchange comprised slip roads from the A13 to the roundabout, approach roads from the A1014, A1013 and B1007 and bridges spanning over the A13. Detailed traffic management plans were prepared with the buy-in of the local authority, stakeholders and emergency services.

Project delivery and innovations

The scope of the scheme was to widen the two-lane circulatory section of the interchange to three lanes. The team worked closely with the client and local community to design the most attractive and cost effective environmental barrier.

This included the construction of a bespoke demonstration panel and post section that was approved by residents at a series of public open forums. Murphy proposed an alternative pavement design that used an unbound material and achieved equivalent pavement stiffness with a shorter curing period - saving time and easing traffic flow. The team also effectively used an Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate (IBAA) as a Type 1A fill.

In the volumes used, this was a UK first and not only provided environmental benefits (IBAA is a waste product produced from the burning of domestic waste) but also achieved a class 3 foundation with class 2 materials. Murphy redesigned a major water diversion, minimizing utility risk and reducing the programme and final costs. Effective communication was essential. The team held stakeholder workshops, the local press and a dedicated website with 24 hour contact numbers. The project was completed ahead of schedule, with minimum disruption and no complaints.