Fast, single layer resurfacing, Kingston Gyratory re-development

The ‘Mini Hollands’ programme is a part of the Mayor of London’s Healthy Streets agenda. The aim is to encourage Londoners to walk or cycle on short journeys, instead of using their car. Kingston upon Thames was one of three London Boroughs awarded £10 million to improve its infrastructure through the council’s Go Cycle project. In the second phase of the project, ELM Surfacing were selected by the main contractor, Kier, to improve the road and cycle lane along Kingston High Street (A307). It was important to demonstrate long term value for this investment. Given the high volumes of traffic using this route, it was also important to keep road closures and delays to a minimum.

Based on the success of Phase 1 of this scheme and a reduction in road speed from 30mph to 20mph, Elm Surfacing proposed the introduction of speed tables and pedestrian crossings. Work included re-profiling, necessary due to the widening of footways and cycle lanes, the relocation of the crown of the carriageway and the introduction of the proposed traffic calming measures. Elm Surfacing proposed using an ULTILAYER binder course and 10mm ULTILAYER steel slag aggregate surface course. The polymer modified binder in ULTILAYER would help cope with the high projected traffic volumes. It would also provide structural strength to help avoid rutting and deformation by bus traffic at multiple high stress locations.

Works were completed between 21:00-05:00 hrs. This value engineered solution resulted in superior durability and pavement construction with the additional benefit of pedestrian safety. The success of this project has encouraged RBK to pursue more innovative approaches to future projects in partnership with Elm Surfacing and Tarmac. Both the client and supply chain partners were delighted with the outcome: “Elm carried out the works on schedule and on budget with the minimum of fuss. The finished quality was excellent. In addition Elm played a key role in specifying a better quality product than originally proposed, based on their experience elsewhere. Traffic management was well planned and executed with Elm working in partnership with Tarmac.” Owen Bentley - Project Manager, Go Cycle programme