Civil Engineering

M20 Jct 8-7 Embankment Reinstatement

The M20 is a key stretch of motorway that links Europe and the South East with London which required upgrades to the embankment. This was a challenging project for blu-3 due to the presence of local wildlife and the need to keep traffic disruption to a minimum on the busy motorway.

Location

M20 J8-7 London Bound

Client

Highways England

Main Contractor

Aone+

Value

Ā£900K

As the UKā€™s busiest link to the continent this a highly sensitive network on which to operate.

Scope:

The geotechnical scheme betweenĀ Junctions 8 and 7 London Bound restored the structural integrity to the embankmentĀ following damage caused by extensiveĀ burrowing from rabbits.Ā 

  • Granular replacement of embankment slope to widen the crest of the earthwork for 376mĀ 
  • Haul road 3.0m wide 350m longĀ 
  • Material Excavated: 7,500tĀ 
  • Gullies renewed: 23Ā 
  • Drainage Repairs: 230mĀ 
  • Acoustic Barrier Fence replaced: 460mĀ 
  • VRS Fencing: 390mĀ 
  • Preventative Rabbit netting placed and covered with top soil: 2400m2Ā 

Project Challenges & Solutions:

  • Close liaison with North Kent Boys Brigade Ā whose land lies on the embankmentĀ 

  • Nesting birds and dormice -boxes were erectedĀ within the remaining woodland and the startĀ of the works were delayed until the birdsĀ had left the nestsĀ 

  • Minimising disruption for site owner and roadĀ users meant carrying out work simultaneouslyĀ from the main carriageway & haul road.Ā LGV traffic had to be controlled and close liaison Ā with local residents and the council undertakenĀ 

See our teams in action here