Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has reached a significant milestone in the M2 junction 5 Improvements Scheme with the successful completion of a beam lift for the new Stockbury Flyover.
The lift was completed using a 450-tonne mega crane to lift into place the two edge beams weighing 56-tonnes each and 16 internal beams weighing 20 tonnes each.
The M2 junction 5, situated in Sittingbourne, Kent, has long suffered from heavy traffic congestion and is currently listed as one of the top 50 national casualty locations on England’s major ‘A’ roads and motorways.
GRAHAM was awarded the £92 million contract by National Highways in June 2021 to upgrade the junction and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of the road network.
The beam lift involved GRAHAM’s civil engineering project team delivering the positioning and installation of 22.5m large precast reinforced concrete beams to form the span of the southern flyover structure.
The lift was executed with meticulous planning and coordination, with GRAHAM’s team working carefully to minimise any inconvenience caused by traffic diversions and lane closures during the construction process.
Discussing the completion of the beam lift, Stevie Collins, GRAHAM Project Manager said: “We’re delighted with the progress being made on the M2 junction 5 Improvements scheme so far and reaching the milestone of the beam installation to the new Southern Stockbury bridge structure.
The lifting of the beams was a complex operation delivered meticulously by our project team to ensure a safe and timely installation, particularly while keeping traffic moving at the junction.
“The approach we’ve taken reflects GRAHAM’s dedication to delivering our projects efficiently while also prioritising the safety and convenience of the public.”
Stevie added: “Our attention now turns to completing the remaining works at M2 junction 5. Once complete, the new flyover will allow traffic to flow freely over the Stockbury roundabout, reducing delays and improving safety.”
National Highways Project Manager, Daniel Rollinson said: “The improvements to this junction will tackle the congestion that drivers, businesses and the local communities have been encountering for a long time. 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.”
With the beam lift complete, the next stage of the structure will involve the construction of the in-situ concrete deck. Other key elements progressing over the next few months will see the North Stockbury bridge structure complete, with major traffic phases on the M2 WB entry slip and A249 mainline take place.
GRAHAM says it remains dedicated to delivering the project on time and within budget, ensuring the M2 junction 5 becomes a safer, more efficient, and better-connected motorway.
(Picture – GRAHAM)
