The MS3 and MS4 signals and MIDAS form part of the National Motorway Communications System – NMCS2, and are provided to supply information to drivers in the form of text message displays, reducing congestion and improving safety.
The scheme was awarded in two parts with the initial requirement to build MS3 / MS4 MIDAS and cable infrastructure between junctions 9 and 10. A substantial saving per sign had to be demonstrated to meet the Highways Agency’s budget requirements for phase two.
WSP met the technical and project challenges of phase two through:
Value Management and Value Engineering processes
In addition to the initial value management workshop, ongoing matters were reviewed and acted upon as the project developed. Some of these issues came about as a result of partnering workshops where all parties were able to discuss potential improvements and costs savings.
Developing an innovative and value for money programme
At the heart of the cost reductions was the use of innovative screwpile and micropile signal foundations which significantly reduced the installation time and therefore the overall programmed duration from 48 weeks to 36 weeks. The effect of the piles on associated activities such has temporary work and traffic management led to overall cost savings.
New ideas from the supplier were encouraged and adopted and these led to improved quality or reductions in whole life cost.
The benefits
Best practice and innovation have been demonstrated in addition to initiative and forward thinking to improve scheme delivery. Overall the scheme's achievements are:
- a reduction in scheme budget against traditional methods
- improvement in journey time reliability in delivery by reducing construction period by 25%
- a 55% reduction in roadworkers’ hours and exposure to high risk workplace
- reduced environmental impact through use of innovative foundations.
Client: Highways Agency
Status: completed 2008