Innovation and community benefits were at the heart of every decision. This complex engineering project involved construction of 16.7km of new on-line dual carriageway, 14.4km of active travel routes, 30 road bridges including a 30m high balanced cantilever viaduct, 3 footbridges, 28 retaining walls, and moving 2.2 million m3 of earth, within close proximity to communities.
Delivered through the Mutual Investment Model (MIM), a key priority was to create a lasting legacy in the Valleys and South Wales. Aligned to the seven goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and achieved through ambitious Client and Contractor-nominated social value KPI targets. Outcomes include:
- 880 new starts for long-term unemployed or disadvantaged people
- 5,153 weeks of apprenticeships
- 24,320 hours of pupil engagement in STEM activities
- gross Welsh spend of £370m with £230m in Valleys
- 68 local community initiatives receiving support.
All KPI targets were achieved or exceeded through collaborative local partnerships.
An industry-leading Geographic Information System (GIS) data management system was developed to deliver this large-scale undertaking, providing everyone access to the latest design and construction information. The benefits achieved through this innovative approach ensured that we:
- reused 2.2 million m3 of material within the project
- diverted 97% of waste from landfill
- recycled 100% of waste from demolition.
Over 8km are already handed over with the rest due for completion as planned in May 2025, this is a significant achievement for a 55-month programme started during the Pandemic.
Three Winning Facts:
- Projected on-time completion
- Delivered on a fixed budget
- Award-winning community benefits
