Connecting the congested A38 with major employment and housing sites, a regional hospital, and a university in the north of Plymouth, the new road is one of the largest schemes ever constructed in the city.
This highly complex project for Plymouth City Council, undertaken by main contractor, Balfour Beatty, was achieved through a truly collaborative partnership. Optioneering, 3D-modelling and carbon reduction strategies generated cost and time savings, while boosting the local economy, with £10m of added social value. A 140m integral bridge was constructed over the Bircham Valley, utilising 35m long precast concrete beams.
This approach improved maintenance and whole life costs, as an integral bridge has no bearings, adding a design life of 120 years. Extensive consultation and information events enabled the project team to work collaboratively with the local community, resulting in strong public engagement and support.
Delivered on time and under budget, the project includes one kilometre of road and a larger, relocated, signalised junction. Non-road users were at the heart of the design, with wide cycle lanes and priority throughout. Built with nature in mind, over 14,500 trees were planted, promoting biodiversity gain of 5%. New retention and wildlife ponds also added resilience against future flood risk.
This project was recently shortlisted for the Civil Engineer awards.
