Constructing Excellence in Wales

Size of project: £21m
Type of project: Highway upgrade
Demonstration themes: Customer needs, sustainability, integrated teams
Contract: NEC Option C Target Cost; two-stage with preferred bidder advice from John Broome, NEC Consultant

Team:

• Client:  Gwynedd Council
• Main contractor:  Carillion Construction
• Designer: Gwynedd Consultancy
  Other: TACP

The Demonstration

This improvement project aimed to relieve congestion along a busy holiday route to Lleyn Peninsula. It focused on a 7.3km stretch of single carriageway with 10km of clawdd walling and a community route running alongside. Led by the client, a whole team approach was adopted, resulting in the development of innovative solutions that have benefited the project. There was also a strong emphasis on environmental and sustainability issues, and community engagement and support. The team prioritised the use of local methods, materials and labour wherever possible.

The Delivery

The stretch of highway involved is the gateway to the stunning Lleyn Peninsula, which demanded a high level of sensitivity to the local environment. The project envelope has been recognised as a Heritage Coast and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and includes five nationally important sites, two villages designated as conservation areas and four SSSIs.

From the outset, core sustainability objectives were set, largely focused on removing traffic from the village of Clynog Fawr and preserving the character of the area. Painstaking planning and recording of existing features was essential to achieving these objectives, and a council Environmental Officer was appointed to act as a link between all parties.

The focus on the environment continued into the construction phase. The original plan had been to import construction materials from sources many kilometres away, but after taking local soundings the team became aware of the residual material available from the long history of quarrying in the local area and used material from closed quarries. This, combined with careful design maximising the re-use of earthworks, enabled the project to deliver significant environmental benefits in a cost-effective way. The most striking result of this approach is the 10km of traditional clawdd walling constructed from local material by a local expert company, reviving traditional skills.

The project also demonstrated a strong commitment to the ‘respect for people’ agenda. The integrated team approach was reinforced in practice by, for example, sharing offices, processes and computer systems. Key subcontractors were involved in advanced planning and had input into the project. Health and safety was a top priority, and initiatives such as the presence of a full-time Health and Safety Manager, a ‘don’t walk’ by philosophy, safety action groups and a behavioural training programme helped ensure a safe outcome with zero accidents.

Key to the success of the project was the development of a ‘local feel’. A full-time Welsh-speaking Public Liaison Officer was appointed to promote the full involvement of the local community. As much as 90% of the labour was recruited locally, and the team was committed to developing traditional skills and using local suppliers as far as possible. Efforts were made to keep local people engaged, assisted by the commitment to managing traffic to keep disruption to a minimum.

From the preferred bidder stage in November 2007 to the opening ceremony on 1 December 2008, the project proceeded smoothly. The team succeeded in its aim of delivering maximum value on time and within budget, while enhancing the local environment.