The facts
Client: Welsh Assembly
Government
Location: Newport, South Wales
Services: Highways and environmental
services
Sector: Transport
Contract Type: NEC option
B
Project Value: £5m
Start/Completion: 2008 - 2010
The project
The Coldra Roundabout interchange in
South Wales is one of the busiest junctions on the M4 motorway and
is the main gateway to the city of Newport from London and the
Midlands.
The aim of the project was to improve the
capacity of the junction and the environment for those who work and
live in the area.
Capita Symonds provided highway design and
environmental services on the scheme, a key element of which was
the construction of a ‘Hamburger Arrangement’ that provides a
direct link through the central island from the A449 southbound to
the M4 westbound, while also avoiding the main traffic flow.
A new pedestrian/cycle way was also
constructed through the central island linking existing pedestrian
and cycle ways and enhancing the SUSTRANS cycle network.
As the roundabout is home to a number of
protected animal and plant species, surveying and mitigation
measures followed strict guidelines. Environmental enhancements
included soft landscaping; the use of felled trees to create
reptile habitats; a ‘green bridge’ to reunite dormice populations;
and the use of excavated material in landscaping features. Surface
water runoff was held in an underground storage facility prior to
controlled discharge into the existing drainage.
The new layout has dramatically improved
traffic flow and reduced traffic delays at the junction as well as
improving safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and
cyclists.
Awards
-
‘Traffic Flow Improvement Scheme of the Year’,
Highways Magazine Excellence Awards 2010
-
Highly commended, Environmental category,
Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) 2010
National Awards