This project involved the removal of the toll booths and plazas on the M4 and M48 Severn Crossings to enable traffic to flow toll-free between England and Wales.
Delivered through the National Highways Southwest Construction Works Framework, this project won a Constructing Excellence Award for Integration & Collaborative Working due to the meticulous planning and collaboration involved.
Removal of the tolls was highly political and generated significant media interest. From the outset the project was under the spotlight and with a tight programme there was no room for failure. The core team, led by MJ Church as principal contractor, worked closely during the six month ECI phase to plan a delivery methodology that minimised the impact on National Highways customers and delivered best value for National Highways.
By utilising extended weekend closures on each crossing, the tollbooths and associated concrete structures on the first two lanes of each crossing were demolished, and the carriageway temporarily reinstated to enable the crossings to reopen in time for the Monday morning rush hour. The remaining toll booths were subsequently demolished and then work to install new drainage and reinstate the carriageway was completed under partial lane closures.
