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Issue 3: aug 2003
Issue 3: aug 2003
Issue 3: Aug 2003
Introduction
We hope you found the previous issues useful and that they have given you a good insight into the works. Just by travelling through the area you will be aware of the significant progress made to date.
We would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your support and understanding whilst our construction activities take place.
In this issue we have special micro-features on Archaeology, and Earthworks together with a section on Traffic Management.
We would also like to take this opportunity to urge you to adhere to the speed limits in force on the M4, A34 and side roads.
Please take care when negotiating narrow lanes or where lane closures are in place.
One of the biggest changes happening in the coming month is the M4 refurbishment works and the commencement of the M4 Bridge 1 underpass. These will involve significant traffic management schemes, predominantly three narrow lanes in each direction under a 50 mph speed limit and vehicle recovery system.
Don't forget if you wish to see the model of the scheme or obtain further details we have a Visitor Centre at our site offices. You will be made most welcome. Alternatively ring the Helpline on 0845 600 2012.
Highways
Construction of the A34 Chieveley M4 Junction 13 Improvement Scheme has commenced.
A period of intensive archaeological investigation is now drawing to a close. Whilst no individually significant finds have been made, we have gained valuable knowledge about the occupation and use of the region from the Bronze Age through to the medieval period. Once all the data has been assessed a popular report will be issued for general public distribution.
In parallel with the archaeology we have also completed the site clearance and this has allowed the bulk earthworks to commence. The challenge is to move 850,000m3of clay, sand and chalk this summer to allow the roadworks to proceed through the winter months. We currently have the capacity to shift 12,000m3a day with the plant list including an 80 tonne excavator fitted with a 5m3bucket being serviced by a fleet of 45 tonne dump trucks.
Environmental considerations are always high on the agenda and carry particular importance at the start of a project. Ecological assessment of the site has been completed and the mitigation strategy developed and implemented. Exclusion zones have been established in key areas and dormouse translocation to Bussock Wood has been carried out. Where any further site clearance has been required, work has been carried out after nesting birds have fledged, under the watching brief of the site ecologist.
To maintain progress on the aggressive project programme it is vital that we make use of every available hour of favourable weather without causing undue nuisance to our neighbours and the local environment. Extensive topsoil and subsoil mounding has been formed at the critical site boundaries to limit the noise and visual impact of the works. Site boundary fencing has been erected with acoustic fencing in sensitive areas. We have a rigorous policy of maintaining local liaison to keep all affected parties abreast of the works in their vicinity.
Apart from the A34 works, our plans are being finalised for the M4 refurbishment. The two temporary motorway slip roads will be opened by early August. These slips will provide the space to commence works to the M4 underpass; the key element of the project. The M4 refurbishment works will also commence in August. These works will be carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with various traffic management schemes being implemented as the works progress. The duration of significant occupation of the M4 is expected to be about 4 months.
Through the summer we will see the works begin to take shape with substantial progress in the bulk earthworks. Drainage and statutory authority service diversions will commence along with works to the bridges and retaining walls.
Bridge Construction
At first glance when passing the site you may well think that it is just an earthworks and roadworks project. Whilst this is a logistical challenge in itself, the scheme does include eight bridges.
Of these, one takes traffic under the M4 motorway (Bridge 1) just west of the current Junction 13 roundabout. Another takes eastbound traffic from the M4 onto the northbound A34. Four overbridges south of the motorway will link the new road network. Two equestrian bridges will also be constructed; one to replace the old Bussock Wood Bridge and the other linking Green Lane (S) and Chalky Lane.
Mobilisation and the commencement of piling works to the bridges south of Junction 13 have just commenced. These works are being carried out off the current roads and therefore will have little or no effect on traffic flows.
Works to the central section of Bridge 1 (M4 underpass) is programmed to start about the time you read this Newsletter. You will see under 'Traffic Management' that a temporary traffic system is being put in place to minimise disruption on the M4 and to allow three lanes in each direction.
Traffic Management
Managing traffic through our roadworks safely and efficiently is one of our key objectives on this extremely busy part of the existing road network.
The introduction of mandatory speed limits on both the M4 and A34 will help to reduce accidents and minimise our impact on road users.
There will inevitably be some delays and inconvenience to the road user whilst we undertake this project. We ask you to be patient with us in the interests of your own safety and that of our workforce whilst these operations take place.
The following traffic management schemes are planned in the next three months:
M4
Overnight single lane running on the approaches and through Junction 13 east and westbound will be necessary to replace sections of 'worn out' road. This will take place over a two week period.
We will then maintain three lanes in both directions, and operate a narrow lane system keeping HGVs in lane 1. A 50 mph mandatory speed limit will apply.
Work within the above phase will comprise construction of the new underbridge to take A34 road users travelling north and south away from the busy Junction 13 roundabout. We will continue with replacing the 'worn out' sections of both carriageways of the M4 from Junction 13 towards Junction 14, and central reserve works.
We will need access into and out of the centre reserve area; so please be aware of works traffic using these signed points of entry and exit.
It will be at this stage that the works will gain momentum. A number of changes to the traffic lanes will be necessary in order to continue resurfacing and construction of the new M4 underpass. Again, we will be implementing single lane running at night time for access purposes.
A34
Towards the end of the M4 works you will see the first of our major traffic management schemes on the A34. There will be a 40 mph speed limit to reduce our impact on road users and help the through flow of traffic.
We will again operate a narrow lane principle. Using this method enables two lanes to be maintained in both directions during day time and peak traffic flows. Any reductions in the number of lanes will be at night to undertake works close to the existing road.
Traffic flows and their impact are an integral part of our traffic management strategy.
We wish all of you a safe journey through our roadworks and please obey the speed limits which are set for your safety as well as ours.
Archaeology
As the final stages of topsoil removal have been completed, so the archaeological investigations have drawn to a close. Some remains were expected on the basis of fieldwork already undertaken, but there were also a number of surprises. A few late Iron Age and early Roman (1st century AD) pits and ditches were found southeast of Chieveley close to the area of known settlement - being preserved in situ. These are field boundaries and rubbish pits which might be expected on settlement margins. Unusually, the pits produced a large number of Roman fineware vessels which look out of place among discarded rubbish. They included a complete miniature jar and an almost complete bowl.
Bronze Age remains were also known from this field. In this period only traces usually survive, as the effect of ploughing over the centuries removes all but the most permanent features.
As expected, there were scatters of pits and gullies containing flint tools in some areas. However, on the brow of the hill we came across a group of large pits containing a lot of burnt flint but few other finds. Some had smaller pits or shafts cut into them, going down a couple of metres in some instances. We are still mystified as to their purpose.
South of the M4 there were fewer archaeological features -mostly occasional prehistoric and Roman pits and ditches which were probably associated with agricultural fields in those times. But there was also a broad, shallow curving ditch south of Green Lane. It may have been a hollow way marking the course of an old road, and the finds suggest that it was a medieval or slightly later creation. However, its direction is inexplicable since, having left the line of the road to Newbury, it doesn't link up with Green Lane, but instead turns to rejoin the Newbury Road again. Was it avoiding something which lies under the present A34?
All the finds from the project are at the offices of Northamptonshire Archaeology and will be studied by experts over the coming months. A report on all the findings will be produced next year.
Earthworks
"The men who make the earth move"
Walters UK Limited is Costain's earthworks partner on this project. This earthmoving and civil engineering Company is South Wales based and operates nationally on major earthwork projects. The most recent project completed by the Costain / Walters / Mott MacDonald / RPS team was the A43 Towcester to M40 including the Silverstone Bypass project. That team has now moved to Chieveley as an established team. The Highways Agency regards this philosophy as a key to continuous improvement in the delivery of highway schemes.
The A34/M4 Chieveley project requires 850,000m3(1.7 million tonnes) to be excavated and placed into road embankment and landscape areas.
The vast majority of this work will be completed in the Summer and Autumn of 2003, leaving only finishing work (soiling verges) and work around some structures to be undertaken during the Spring and Summer of 2004.
Every possible consideration has been given to minimising disruption to the neighbouring residents and businesses and the traveling public. We are using water tankers to suppress dust, and all machines are fully silenced so the nuisance effect is minimised.
The earthworks have been designed so that the maximum possible volumes of excavated material are deposited adjacent to the excavation areas; thus minimising the need to put lorries onto the busy A34. The exception to this will be to form the embankments and landscape areas on the south bound side of the existing A34 just south of the Chieveley Service Area.
You will see our biggest machine on the project excavating north of the M4. This excavator weighs 80 tonnes and is moving over 1000 tonnes of earth every hour.
Progress to date has been good despite the indifferent weather and very poor ground conditions. The milestones to watch out for are the formation of the new local Oxford Road to the south of the M4 and the works to refurbish the M4 during the narrow three lane phase.
We would like to thank all local residents for their patience and understanding whilst the works are ongoing.
Community Relations
Forthcoming Public Meetings
Costain will be holding a number of meetings throughout the construction to give the public the opportunity to discuss the works.
Public meetings will start promptly at 7.30 pm. It is intended that Costain staff will give a brief description of the general works and then forthcoming works. This will be followed by a Question and Answer session to allow members of the public to ask specific questions.
Venue:
Chieveley Village Hall and Recreation Centre High Street Chieveley Berkshire
Tuesday 29 July 2003 at 7.30 pm
Tuesday 18 November 2003 at 7.30 pm
Tuesday 2 March 2004 at 7.30 pm
Nuisance and Complaints
For the duration of our works, we sincerely hope that there will not be too many reasons for you to complain.
However, it is inevitable with a contract of this size that some problems will arise. If you have any queries or wish to bring to our attention any problems, then please contact Trevor Spice, Costain Community Relations Manager on our Helpline (telephone number shown below) and he will address your particular query or problem.
Our aim is to ensure that the minimum of inconvenience is caused to you. We promise to respond quickly to your complaint through personal contact and with a quick resolution.
Helpline 0845 600 2012
Costain's 24 hour construction helpline is available to answer questions and give details of construction work.
Further information
If you want to discuss or write to us about an issue, please contact:
Costain Limited
Site Offices
Oxford Road
Chieveley
Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8XX
Tel 01635 247508
email mailto:Project@Costain.com
