Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

M25 Jct 12 to 15 Widening

Introduction

In November 2001 British Airways Authority plc (BAA) obtained planning permission from the Secretary of State for Transport for the development of a fifth passenger terminal (Terminal 5) and associated facilities at Heathrow Airport. In order to provide appropriate access to Terminal 5, a new Spur Road linking the M25 with the new terminal is being constructed from J14 approximately 1km to the west of the site.

The scheme involves the construction of a dedicated spur road connecting the new Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 development with the existing M25 motorway. It forms one strand in an integrated transport solution being developed for conveying passengers to Terminal 5.

Other upgrades in transportation links, which include major extensions of the existing Piccadilly Line and Heathrow Express railway lines, are also being implemented in advance of the new Terminal 5 being brought into service, to encourage the use of public transport. The Spur Road will join the M25 at an extended Junction 14 and some modifications to the existing Junction 14 will be carried out.

The Spur Road is being constructed on embankments across land occupied by an old landfill site, and will have a two-lane highway in each direction. It will be lit along its full length. There will be extensive landscaping and planting works to enhance the surrounding environment and to minimise the visual and acoustic impact of the new development on the surrounding area. Land required for the construction of the Spur Road has been acquired through Compulsory Purchase Orders.

The scheme is being carried out in two stages.

Stage 1, which is nearly complete, includes ground improvement works to stabilise the existing landfill, the construction of the embankments, drainage works and construction of the bridge over the existing A3044 highway. A period of time is then needed for the embankments to settle down before Stage 2 can commence.

This work is scheduled to be completed by May 2004. The site is then handed over to the Stage 2 Contractor who will complete the works by December 2005. Stage 2 involves constructing the other bridges, the road surface, lighting and signs.

'Will the works give rise to any nuisance to road users?'

The Spur Road construction involves large-scale engineering works. Inevitably from time to time these may give rise to some disruption and nuisance to road users. Conditions have been included in the contract aimed at minimising these effects as far as possible.

In particular, the contract includes strict limitations on construction activities outside normal working hours. The best practicable means will be used to minimise construction noise and vibration. Appropriate steps will be taken to minimise dust nuisance and to keep public roads clear of mud. Temporary bridges are being constructed over the River Colne and the A3044 to provide a dedicated construction access from the principal T5 site into the M25 Spur site. This will avoid the need to use local roads for much of the construction activity. Heavy Goods Vehicle construction traffic will be restricted to agreed routes to limit the impact on local routes and communities. The restrictions will be strictly enforced. All these measures have been developed in close consultation with the Local Authority and the Environment Agency.

Within Stage 1 of the works a new bridge is being constructed to carry the Spur Road across the A3044 highway. This work will necessitate short-term (overnight or weekend) road closures at critical stages in the bridge construction works in order to protect road users. Further information advising of the dates of any road closures will be widely publicised well in advance of any works.

What can I do if I need more information?

BAA Heathrow has established a 24-hour telephone helpline. If you need any further information regarding these works please contact the T5 Construction Helpline on 020 8745 5555.

Alternatively if you require more general information about the scheme you may prefer to contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Organisations Involved

• Client: The Highways Agency
• Promoter: BAA plc
• Promoter's Agent: Atkins
• Contractor: Laing O'Rourke
• Designer: KBR