Crooked (no more) Billet: National Highways completes £6.4m upgrade

11/02/2022 | CHRIS AMES

National Highways has completed the £6.4m upgrade to the A30 Crooked Billet roundabout near Staines-upon-Thames.

The government-owned company said the ‘transformation’ of the junction has made it safer and easier for drivers, making the layout more intuitive and reducing the need to change lanes, while pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit, with more than 700 metres of new lanes.

Aerial view of the new improvements at the A30 Crooked Billet roundabout

In November, National Highways said it had completed work at the junction, allowing it to fully remove the traffic management, but said it would return to the junction before spring 2022 to plant new trees on the two centre islands.

Project manager Matt Feather said: ‘This upgrade has made a real difference at the A30 Crooked Billet junction, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and making journeys better for the drivers who use it.

‘Over 20,000 vehicles use the junction every day at peak times. Our improvements will increase traffic capacity and cut the risk of accidents, which will improve people’s journeys and boost the economy.’

Connect Plus Chief Executive Andy Dean said: ‘This was a particularly complex project with added challenges brought by the pandemic. The success of the delivery is owed to the hard work and dedication of the collective team, working collaboratively across National Highways, Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, R&W and the wider supply chain partners.’

The scheme saw the east and westbound carriageway markings realigned, with the previous four narrow lanes becoming three wider lanes through the centre of the roundabout in both directions.

National Highways said this removes the underused fourth lane while matching the three existing lanes on the approaches to the junction to reduce unnecessary weaving and lane changing.

The eastbound carriageway approach has also been widened for a short section where the road bends left to enter the roundabout, providing two dedicated lanes which were previously of sub-standard width. 

Improvements and renovation work under the scheme also included:

  • upgraded traffic signals and new signs to reflect the new road layout.
  • Introduction of a new signal control system to improve the operation and efficiency of the junction
  • improved street lighting by replacing the existing lamps LED
  • a new surface-level route across the roundabout with new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a safer and more direct link for both groups
  • upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes to improve access between Staines-upon-Thames, Hounslow and Heathrow Airport (delivered in partnership with Surrey County Council)
  • an updated and renovated drainage system.

The scheme is part of National Highways’ M25 junction improvement programme, which covers eight key junctions around the orbital motorway.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW