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Innovative civil engineering technique cuts carbon footprint on highways project

A civil engineering firm carrying out works related to a major A55 upgrade has saved money and removed vehicle journeys to and from landfill with an innovative technique to recycle hazardous material.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK discovered approximately 600 tonnes of coal tar, which was commonly used in road construction prior to 1980, while widening a road that runs alongside the A55 between the Tal y Bont and Abergwyngregyn junctions.

The Ruthin-based firm utilised an on-site cement stabilisation technique, making the material safe to use on the project, which is part of the Welsh Government’s enabling works contract to upgrade the A55 between junctions 12 and 13.

Jones Bros senior contracts manager Elgan Ellis said: “Our aim on all jobs is to complete them as cost-effectively as possible while also limiting the impact on the environment. Thanks to our cement stabilisation technique we have removed the need for vehicle journeys to and from landfill.

“We have been on site since January and closed the 900 metre stretch of road in two phases to allow residential access.

“We have liaised closely with people living on the road to minimise disturbance, and have provided access to properties throughout. An additional layby was also built to provide parking for residents while the works take place.”

Jones Bros has also worked with cycling groups to avoid disruption on a popular cycle route that connects Abergwyngregyn and Bangor.

Elgan added: “The scheme will significantly improve safety for motorists and cyclists, and we consulted a number of organisations including Sustrans and Cycling UK to install a temporary diversion track for cyclists.”

The road, known locally as The Roman Road, will be widened from 2.5m to 4.8m with new kerbing and a drainage system installed, to ensure rain water is correctly drained away.

The team of 15 from Jones Bros also translocated approximately 800metres of hedge, moving it back to accommodate the wider road.

The project is due to complete at the end of July.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros has a wealth of experience in highway schemes.

The company is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family and employs more than 350 people.

In addition to highways, it is currently working on contracts in various sectors including the construction of waste management facilities, renewable energy, and flood and marine defence projects across the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .