Construct - Issue 51

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT The scheme showed the step change enabled by JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine, which adapts proven engine architecture to run entirely on hydrogen while delivering diesel equivalent power and duty cycles. It avoids the weight, cost and charging constraints that limit battery options for high demand, long shift plant, and its use on the strategic network provided a rare real-world demonstration of how hydrogen can decarbonise machinery that is otherwise hard to electrify.

LAYING TECHNIQUE FM Conway laid both lanes simultaneously using the echelon paving technique to remove weak joints and improve road quality. This faster method requires fewer shifts and reduces road closures, rerouting and disruption. Laser profiling was also used to detect and correct surface irregularities, creating a smoother, more durable surface that develops fewer cracks and reduces the need for future repairs. MATERIAL The asphalt mix maximised recycled content, using RAP from the M11, A34 and A3 – with 60% in the base and binder courses and 30% in the surface. Manufacturing was powered by biogas. Together, the use of RAP and biogas during manufacturing reduced project emissions by a third.

“By working together, we overcame challenges and set a new benchmark for how sustainable road construction can be achieved on the national strategic network.”

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