GRAHAM Construction has completed a major beam lift on the M2 junction 5 Improvements Scheme, marking a significant milestone for the project
Completing the beam lift on August 17 is a crucial milestone for the project. Once finished, the new Stockbury Flyover will improve traffic flow in the surrounding area.
The M2 junction 5 in Sittingbourne, Kent, has struggled with persistent traffic congestion and has been categorised as one of the top 50 accident-prone locations on major ‘A’ roads and motorways in England.
GRAHAM secured a contract worth £92m from National Highways in June 2021. This contract tasked them with upgrading the junction to improve safety and efficiency across the road network.
The beam lift was a major operation
Workers used a 450-tonne crane to place 18 beams into position. Two edge beams, each weighing 56 tonnes, and 16 internal beams, weighing 20 tonnes, were installed.
The beam lift was overseen by GRAHAM’s civil engineering project team. They installed 22.5-metre pre-made steel beams, which will make up the main part of the southern flyover structure.
Executing the lift required meticulous planning and coordination. GRAHAM’s team took special care to minimise disruptions caused by traffic diversions and lane closures during the construction process.
“The approach we’ve taken reflects GRAHAM’s dedication to delivering our projects efficiently while also prioritising the safety and convenience of the public. Our attention now turns to completing the remaining works at M2 junction 5,” said Stevie Collins, GRAHAM project manager.
“Once complete, the new flyover will allow traffic to flow freely over the Stockbury roundabout, reducing delays and improving safety,” he added.
More improvements are set to come on the M2
The next stage of the project will see a concrete deck added to the Stockbury Flyover. Other tasks include finishing the North Stockbury bridge and managing traffic changes on the M2 WB entry slip and A249 main road.
As work continues, the M2 junction 5 London-bound entry slip will be closed from 8pm on Wednesday, August 23, until 5am on Thursday, August 24.
During this time, temporary safety barriers will be installed to enable the construction of a new entry slip from A249 to M2.
“The improvements to this junction will tackle the congestion that drivers, businesses and the local communities have been encountering for a long time,” commented National Highways project manager, Daniel Rollinson.
“Drivers are already seeing the benefits of these early works. But we do appreciate that any roadworks can cause some disruption and appreciate people’s patience while we carry out this essential work,” he concluded.
