Improvements made to the C&G and Walls roundabout last year have won an award from The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
The work took place last year to address a known pinch point on the two strategically important Gloucester roundabouts.
As part of Gloucestershire County Council’s continued investment in the local transport infrastructure, the lanes and approach roads were widened on both C&G and Walls roundabouts, an intelligent traffic light system was installed, and the drainage and street lighting were improved. To minimise disruption, the council looked at how traffic would flow while the work was carried out in order to put a plan in place before construction started. Restricted working hours were imposed which limited work to off-peak hours and overnight. This significantly reduced the impact on businesses and commuters, resulting in an unprecedented level of positive feedback for a highway scheme of this size in the county. It was announced on February 12 that the £3.13 million improvement work had won the Major Project of the Year Award in a ceremony held by the CIHT South Western Branch in Exeter.
Judges praised the scheme for its strong partnership working and good communication, which helped the scheme to be delivered on time and on budget. One judge said: “Work on a live carriageway is always challenging and to do it whilst minimising disruption by good communication with the travelling public, and the establishment of a good working relationship between client, consultant and contractor is particularly exemplary.”
Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways said: “The fact that this scheme has won recognition at a national level demonstrates how hard we worked to get this right. The scheme was hugely important for Gloucester and the surrounding areas.”
Graham McGuire, Site Manager at Hewlett said: “All the work for the C&G and Walls Roundabouts Improvement Scheme took place in live traffic conditions. In addition to the construction elements the ability to efficiently manage existing traffic flows, programme service diversions and work around existing services has been fundamental to the success of this project. This award is testament to best practice construction and a great team effort!”
