Description of Works

In early 2025, FM Conway worked in one of London’s most famous destinations to resurface the iconic thoroughfare in Trafalgar Square. With tens of thousands of vehicles of all sizes and many more pedestrians passing through Trafalgar Square every day, FM Conway knew that customer and stakeholder management was key to the successful delivery of this project.  With the new surface, durability was crucial, so, FM Conway’s SureLane mix was used, which offers an increased lifespan and can withstand heavy traffic, helping skid resistance on a key part of London’s road network.

“The surfacing work had to hit a multitude of targets – deliver excellent performance and durability, be done at speed, with maximum efficiency while keeping our carbon goals in mind.” says Mark O’Leary, Operations Manager at Westminster City Council who led the project.

Focusing on Traffic Flow

A significant consideration for the team was how to navigate the busy traffic flow. Vehicles approach from The Mall, Whitehall and the Strand, with the square marking the convergence of three of London’s most recognisable roads. Maintaining access to the Houses of Parliament to the south and Buckingham Palace, which is just a stone’s throw away down The Mall, was imperative. It was equally important to support the trade and vibrancy of the theatres and retail destinations popular with locals and tourists alike at the West End. Rolling road closures were implemented, always keeping at least one direction open for traffic, while FM Conway’s traffic management division was on hand to deal swiftly with any on-site problems.

Keeping Sustainability in Mind

With sustainability in mind, the team also used Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel all vehicles on the site. HVO is made from renewable raw materials like used cooking oil, vegetable oils, and animal fats, so it’s a more environmentally friendly choice than diesel. It has a cleaner burn, producing less NOx and particulate matter, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared with traditional fossil fuels.

Outcomes

“We’ve worked with FM Conway over the years and are aligned on the high standards we aim for – so we were confident that together we could achieve these targets while completing these important works.” – Mark O’Leary

Under the watchful eye of Admiral Nelson, the FM Conway team worked day and night, with the successful outcome proving the capability of the team to complete high-quality work in the centre of the capital.