M6 Junction 2-4 Smart Motorway
Warwickshire and West Midlands, UK · 2018–2020 (completed) · £232.3-£335.4 million (estimated, based on similar schemes; specific cost for J2-4 not explicitly stated but within this range)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchPart of the wider Smart Motorways Programme aimed at improving traffic flow and journey reliability. - Involved the conversion of the hard shoulder to a permanent running lane. - The project included the provision of new emergency areas to mitigate safety concerns. - The scheme aimed to provide increased capacity in a cost-effective way compared to traditional widening.
Key engineering challenges
Converting a busy section of the M6 to an all-lane running smart motorway to increase capacity and reduce congestion. - Installing advanced technology and infrastructure within a live motorway environment. - Managing traffic and ensuring safety during construction. - Addressing public and political concerns regarding smart motorway safety.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Highways (formerly Highways England)
- Lead contractor
- Balfour Beatty Vinci JV (BBV-JV)
- Lead designers
- N/A (Further research needed if not found)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- 13.6 miles (22 km) of all-lane running smart motorway; conversion of hard shoulder to a live lane; installation of new technology, gantries, and emergency areas.
- Disciplines
- civil; intelligent transport systems; electrical; environmental
- Standards & frameworks
- DMRB; CDM Regulations; Smart Motorway All-Lane Running standards
Sources: National Highways (https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/m6-junction-2-to-4-smart-motorway/) - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/part-1-claim-m6-junction-2-to-junction-4-smart-motorway-scheme/m6-junction-2-to-junction-4-smart-motorway) - VGC Group (https://vgcgroup.co.uk/case-studies/m6-smart-motorway/) - AARoads Wiki (https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/Smart_motorway)