Client
National Highways
Value
£1.7 M
Sectors & Services
The M6 Barthomley Interchange scheme formed part of National Highways’ wider £196 million investment programme to maintain and enhance key strategic routes across the Midlands. This section of motorway is a critical junction, supporting high volumes of traffic including commuter journeys, freight transport, and regional connectivity between major networks such as the M1 and M6.
Due to the age and condition of the existing parapets, essential works were required to replace life-expired systems and ensure compliance with current safety standards. Early delivery was vital to maintain network reliability, improve road user safety, and support the long-term asset management of this heavily trafficked infrastructure.
Services Undertaken
- Remove life-expired parapets on mainline and interchange structures
- Install upgraded vehicle restraint systems
- Concrete repairs to plinths and deck edges
- Install anchorages, fixings, and reinforcement
- Temporary works for safe operations
- Traffic management, maintaining three live lanes each way
- Coordinate works above and beside live carriageways.
- Inspect, test, and handover to National Highways
The highways division of Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) delivered the scheme through a carefully planned and technically robust approach, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining operational safety on a live motorway. The primary scope involved the removal of life-expired parapets and the installation of upgraded vehicle restraint systems in accordance with National Highways standards. This required precise sequencing of works, particularly given the requirement to maintain three live lanes in each direction throughout the programme.
Temporary works were designed to facilitate safe access and working adjacent to live carriageways, with hard shoulder closures implemented to protect the workforce. Detailed traffic management strategies were developed and coordinated to manage high traffic volumes both on the motorway and the interchange below. Localised concrete repairs were undertaken to prepare the structure for new installations, including the formation of new anchorages, fixings, and reinforcement where required to ensure structural compatibility and long-term performance.
CRL worked collaboratively with National Highways’ Safety, Engineering and Standards Directorate, alongside local stakeholders, to ensure all methodologies were compliant, safe, and buildable prior to commencement. Inspection and testing regimes were implemented throughout, culminating in a structured handover process. CRL’s expertise in structural repairs UK and infrastructure asset management is reflected in its ability to deliver complex highway schemes within constrained environments, combining technical excellence with rigorous safety and programme control.
“This was a challenging scheme delivered in a live motorway environment, requiring careful planning and strict safety controls. By maintaining three running lanes throughout and coordinating closely with National Highways, we successfully replaced the parapets and completed the necessary concrete repairs with minimal disruption. The project highlights CRL’s ability to deliver complex structural repairs safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.”
Steven Dunn | Strategic Partnership Lead | CRL
The installation of modern, compliant vehicle restraint systems significantly enhances safety and durability across the interchange. New anchorages and reinforcement, integrated with targeted concrete repairs, ensure robust load transfer and resistance to long-term fatigue and environmental exposure. Careful surface preparation prior to installation supports optimal bonding and system performance, reducing the likelihood of premature deterioration.
By replacing life-expired parapets and upgrading associated structural elements, the works reduce future maintenance demands and improve resilience against corrosion and traffic-induced stresses. CRL’s methodical approach to inspection, testing, and compliance ensures that all elements meet current standards, supporting extended service life and improved whole-life value. This project demonstrates CRL’s capability to deliver durable, safety-critical infrastructure solutions aligned with long-term asset management objectives.
