Highways Agency

A34 Chieveley / M4 Jct 13 Improvement

Programme

Progress and Forthcoming Programme

The main event has been the awarding of the contract. Early works have focused on site clearance, ecological surveys, archaeological excavation, topographical surveys, additional ground investigation, initial topsoil stripping and establishment of the site compound.

The next three months will see the commencement of the A34 bulk earthworks after archaeological and ecological mitigation measures have been undertaken. Works to the M4 will include enabling works such as communication cable diversions and temporary slip road diversions together with temporary motorway widening to facilitate a major traffic management scheme to construct the M4 underpass.

The scheme will be substantially complete by summer 2004, well ahead of the Highways Agency's target.

Outline

Major Works for the construction of the improvement to the A34 commenced on site in May 2003 and incorporate:

• New 3km A34 dual carriageway which will pass under the M4
• New slip roads from the new A34 to M4 Junction 13
• New access arrangements to the service station, maintenance depot and hotel
• Seven new bridges
• Major maintenance of 3km of the M4

Programme

Award	10th March 2003
Enabling Works	March 2003 - May 2003
A34 Earthworks	May 2003 - October 2003
A34 Roadworks	May 2003 - July 2004
A34 Bridgeworks	June 2003 - April 2004
M4 Refurbishment	May 2003 - November 2003
Bussocks Wood Bridge Demolition	November 2003
Bussocks Wood Bridge Erection	January 2004
Substantial Completion	July 2004
Landscaping	November - March 2003 and October 2004

Scheme Completion

Value	£38.5m
Duration	Substantial completion in 70 weeks
Completion Date	Summer 2004