Description of Works
FM Conway’s Civil Engineering division is working with Transport for London (TfL) to deliver the Cycleway 34 project in West London.
The project involves creating a 5.5m wide cycleway, including a segregated footway, with a new asphalt surface alongside the westbound carriageway of the A40.
The new cycleway will add 3.5km of protected cycleway to the nation’s capital with work set to complete in early 2020.
The works will be completed in 400m segments, starting at Wood Lane and then moving west to Acton in a sequential manner.
TfL’s Project Manager, Daniel Wilson, said:
“Our work includes removal of existing A40 footway and verge, with all concrete sent for recycling at FM Conway’s own recycling plant. Excavation to the right line and level then follows, with the placement of granular sub-base after.”
Utilising collaboration across FM Conway, asphalt for the cycleway’s base and surface was supplied by the company’s Heathrow asphalt plant and implemented the Surfacing team, highlighting the business’ ability to self-deliver.
The project will also feature an environmental upgrade, with additional tree planting being installed in previous parking areas and verge areas.
Martin added: “The cycle lane is separated from the footway by cycle delineation kerbs to assist the visually impaired. We’re also installing new granite kerbs for the A40 with trees being planted in verges as necessary.”
Civil Engineering Contracts Manager at FM Conway - Martin PhippsManaging the traffic, gaining access to our sites, getting muck away and delivering plant and materials are virtually all daily logistical challenges. Being part of FM Conway means we can draw on substantial in-house resources for nearly everything that we need, crucially, when we need it.
Situated on one of Britain’s busiest roads in the A40, the project’s main challenge was working alongside high traffic levels, whilst maintaining access to the site.
FM Conway’s Civil Engineering Contracts Manager, Martin Phipps, said:
“Managing the traffic, gaining access to our sites, getting muck away and delivering plant and materials are virtually all daily logistical challenges. Being part of FM Conway means we can draw on substantial in-house resources for nearly everything that we need, crucially, when we need it.”
Careful traffic management was required on the project to ensure health and safety was paramount to the team, but also allowing for the space to work. To provide this, TfL were able to close off the A40’s west bound inside lane.
Daniel added: “We are protective of our strategic road network and don’t easily give up space – like the A40’s westbound inside lane for instance. When we do allow lane closures, we examine very carefully all plans to manage traffic and reserve the right to alter schedules in light of changing circumstances.”
This approach also enabled the general public, pedestrians and cyclists, to remain safe whilst works were carried out. The team also implemented an Asset Varioguard steel barrier to protect the team working by the road.
Martin explained: “Keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe is a key priority, with temporary traffic light controlled crossings of the A40 installed where they’re needed.”
FM Conway’s self-delivery was also crucial in helping to deliver a successful project. By liaising within its own teams, FM Conway could easily adapt to the task at hand, should any sudden programme changes arise.
FM Conway’s resource efficiency was also highlighted as a major benefit to the scheme. In particular, the use of the company’s own Reimer volumetric concrete mixer proved to be indispensable.
Martin said: “The vehicles mix concrete on site to the exact quantities required, meaning there are no left-over metres of ready mixed. There’s no waste, of either concrete or money.”