Update: SDF Area 9 Projects

Following the previous update in March this year, the Highways staff in the W Midlands have been engaging in complex Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) on a number of projects we are undertaking. The foremost of these is a combination of 3 jobs at Oldbury (M5/M6 motorways), with a projected total value in excess of £20m. The start date on site is currently forecast as early January 2023, but a move to commence earlier than this may be successful.

The first SDF project on which an order to commence site activity in December, has now been received for Barthomley, which is located at J16 on the M6.

A number of other projects are due to start in the next 12 months within the Area 9 region and updates on these will follow as they come on-stream. Discussions have also been held on the following year’s allocation of projects for 2023 and 2024, which should trigger additional ECI work in advance of site mobilisation.

Beyond the current SDF arrangement, discussions have also been held on possible outputs for a 10 year look-ahead planning programme/forward workload with National Highways, reaching into the future and securing a base of work for CRL in the longer term.

Innovations in access arrangements and familiarity with design processes are all part of the learning curve that CRL Highways staff are experiencing, amassing a wealth of experience that will provide a valuable knowledge-base for future projects.
SDF Highways projects - Area 9
J Paul Quinlan

07/11/22