Low-level works raise profile of engineering

07/07/2022 | CHRIS AMES

National Highways has completed a complex and technically challenging £1.5m repair programme to the concrete foundations of the M6 in Birmingham.

The six-month project to repair damaged concrete hidden underground at Bromford Viaduct near Junction 6 (Spaghetti Junction) was completed in May.

The work involved careful excavation of land around the base of the concrete columns, which had been damaged by water.

Programme delivery manager Jess Kenny, who oversaw the work, said: ‘This was a complex and technically challenging repair scheme which required methodical planning due to its location underneath the M6.

‘Once specialist teams had excavated the land they set to work on repairing the damaged areas by injecting special resin into the concrete foundations. This meant that once the resin had cured and gained strength, it returned the concrete back to its original strength.’

Ms Kenny added: ‘As some of the repairs were taking place close to a railway line and we needed to access the foundations that were buried underground, we temporarily removed the track so that our teams could safely access the work area.

‘This meant close collaboration with Network Rail and local businesses to plan the repairs, which allowed us to keep disruption to a minimum. And of course, we planned the work carefully so that we didn’t need any roadworks on the M6.

‘In fact, it’s probably a surprise for drivers to find out that this work was taking place underneath the road as there was no impact to traffic during the project.’

As part of the work, teams also relocated electrical cabling running underneath the ground, which makes future maintenance easier.

Ms Kenny added: ‘I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team in helping to keep this structure safe in the Midlands and my work with my colleagues is something that I really enjoy.

‘I use this part of the M6 myself and when I’m taking my children into Birmingham, I’ll always make a point of telling them about why the M6 is so important in helping to keep people moving around the city. I’ll also speak about my role because I think it’s important we encourage youngsters to think about engineering and the world around them.’

Similar work has previously taken place underneath the M5 at Oldbury and the M6 near Junction 9 at Wednesbury – both of which house elevated stretches of motorway and carry tens of thousands of vehicles each day.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Customer Support Officer

Up to £33291 per annum
Support businesses, serve communities and help deliver a service that keeps our borough clean and efficient.Support businesses, serve communities and England, London, City of London
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Estate Manager

Up to £39150 per annum
Lead from the front. Keep our estates clean, safe and welcoming - and help build stronger communities every day.Lead from the front. Keep our estates England, London, City of London
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

£25,989 - £27,254 per annum
We’re looking for Civil Enforcement officers to join our parking services team. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Waste and Recycling Manager

£64,355.20 - £70,397.60 per year
As Waste and Recycling Manager your role will be to oversee and manage the Waste Management Services Contract Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
Recruiter: Aberdeen City Council

Director of Streets and Environment

£129,901 - £135,064
This is an exciting time to be joining Croydon. Croydon (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Croydon Council

Highway Maintenance & Drainage Manager

£59,568 - £66,801
As our Highway Maintenance & Drainage Manager Civic Centre, Keynsham
Recruiter: Bath & North East Somerset Council

Director of Transport

£100,088 – £110,736
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Economic Development

Grade 14 £54,867 - £60,971 per annum
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and shaping a sustainable future? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Major Projects Manager

Grade £54,867 - £60,971 per annum
Do you want to make a real difference to ‘place’, be the driving force behind major capital projects and directly impact people’s lives? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

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

Highways Network Engineer - WMF2169e

£45,091 - £46,142
This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the resilience and effectiveness of our highway network. Kendal,Penrith or Barrow
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2168e

£28,598 - £29,540
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a specialised area of highways operations while contributing directly Kendal, Penrith or Barrow
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

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

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

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
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