Associated Asphalt has completed a major maintenance programme on the M40, bringing to close the latest phase of more than a decade of work supporting one of the UK’s key strategic routes.
This summer saw the Heathrow-based business complete all major works on the Oxford-to-Warwick section of UK Highways’ M40 Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract, in conjunction with National Highways.
The project, which commenced on 2 March and concluded at the end of August, saw Associated Asphalt supply and lay over 35,000 tonnes of asphalt along the busy 47-mile long motorway corridor.
The programme involved targeted pavement repairs, with deteriorated surfacing removed and replaced with compliant pavement finished in 10 mm Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) manufactured using Clause 942 PMB HAPAS-accredited materials. This provides a smooth, high-performance finish along with outstanding durability, together with significant reductions in road noise and surface spray.
In order to tackle the job efficiently, Associated Asphalt invested in a new state-of-the-art asphalt plant, conveniently situated in Yarnton, Oxford and able to produce 100,000 tonnes of asphalt a year. Aside from security of supply, the plant played a crucial role in minimising the carbon footprint of the scheme with deliveries made on-site, requiring fewer vehicle movements on the Strategic Road Network.
In addition to the logistical and technical requirements for the project, the Associated Asphalt team adopted a meticulous approach to minimise disruption and ensure the programme was conducted safely and efficiently within tight overnight shift windows.
The completion of works brings to close an extensive M40 project partnership with Associated Asphalt and UK Highways spanning more than eleven years, with the current 30-year DBFO for the strategic London-to-Birmingham link due to conclude in early 2027.
Since 2015, Associated Asphalt has supported a range of UK Highways schemes on the M40, including the strategic refurbishment of the 500-metre-long Loudwater Viaduct, deep construction maintenance between M40 Junction 1 and Junction 1A, and maintenance works around Junction 1A. Alongside this, the business has also supported ongoing emergency call-out repairs over the life of the contract, providing a responsive service to ensure the network is safe for continued use with minimal disruption to its users.
Looking ahead, Associated Asphalt remains in discussions with UK Highways on a number of further projects currently in the pipeline.
Gareth Llewelyn, Senior General Manager UK Highways M40, said:
“Complex infrastructure works such as this require a careful mix of technical expertise, responsiveness and commitment to ensure absolute minimum disruption to the public while achieving the highest standard. Associated Asphalt have delivered on all fronts, operating very much as a valued extension of our team throughout. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship as we approach the conclusion of the M40 DBFO contract.”
Chris Taylor, Area Manager for the M40 at Associated Asphalt, added:
“From the outset, our focus was to deliver the works safely, efficiently, on time and on budget, while providing durable, fit-for-purpose solutions that keep this vital London-to-Birmingham route moving.
“Over the course of the programme, we’ve strengthened an already strong relationship with UK Highways, built on collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to delivering the highest standards. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to building on this partnership through future projects across the Strategic Road Network.”
(Picture: Associated Asphalt)
