National Highways seals jumbo A11 upgrade

20/09/2023 | CHRIS AMES

National Highways has completed its £65m A11 concrete reconstruction scheme at Wymondham, upgrading close to 10 miles of dual carriageway to asphalt.

The scheme on the stretch of A11 between Spooner Row and Tuttles Interchange saw the removal of the old concrete road surface and some of its foundations, before rebuilding with recycled material and a new asphalt top.

National Highways said removing 60,000 cubic metres of concrete from the carriageway and recycling it into the new road was one of a number of innovations it used to reduce CO2 emissions during construction.

These also included powering the scheme’s average speed cameras with renewable energy and the exploratory use of kinetic floor tiles in the site compound that generate electricity when walked over.

Roads minister Richard Holden claimed that the £65m upgrade would ‘grow the economy in the region’.

Simon Amor, National Highways head of scheme delivery (East), said: ‘The upgraded road not only showcases the power of collaboration and cutting-edge concrete technology, but also promises enhanced safety, reduced maintenance needs, and a smoother travel experience for all road users.’

National Highways said that over the past 16 months it had:

  • removed and recycled 60,000 cubic metres of concrete, 'which is enough to fill 24 Olympic-sized swimming pools'
  • laid 147,000 tonnes of new asphalt, ‘the equivalent weight of 786 Boeing 747 planes’
  • installed 27,000 metres of new drainage
  • put in place 13,000 metres of new safety barrier
  • painted 41,000 metres of road marking and laid 3,600 road studs
  • installed 60 new traffic signs

At the halfway point of the scheme in January, the company said the 30,000 cubic metres of concrete removed, ‘could fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools’.

The project was part of National Highways’ £400m drive to 'revitalise' concrete roads, which make up more than 400 lane miles (4.6%) of its network and are mostly found along the eastern side of the country.

Around half of the old-style concrete roads in the East will either be repaired or replaced.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Engineer External Contracts

Grade 11 £39,865 - 43,270 per annum
You will lead a team of Clerks of Works Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Technician - Clerk of Works

Grade 9 £32,347 - 34,317 per annum
You will supervise works on site and liaise with developers, contractors and internal teams Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Hire Desk Operative

Grade 8 £29,719 - £31,691 per annum
Well-developed IT skills and an excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite are required. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (2 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,989 - £26,458 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker/Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 7 £27,088 - £29,062 per annum
We’re looking for roadworker/drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Engineer - Public Realm

£28,624 - £36,124
We are looking for a Senior Engineer to support the development Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Engineer - Hosting and Security

£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within our Hosting and Security Team for an experienced, enthusiastic, and flexible Engineer, with the aim of helping to ensure t Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Senior Engineer - Highways Safety

£28,624 - £36,124
Senior Engineer - Highways Safety Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Head of Parking

£86,274 - £89,667
Our borough is beginning a huge transformation. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Assistant Director Transport and Infrastructure

£115,958 - £120,407
Dumfries and Galloway Council is ambitious for our region. Dumfries and Galloway
Recruiter: Dumfries & Galloway Council

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £49,178 - £52,937 per annum
Shape the Future of Highways
Recruiter: Derbyshire County 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