Landscaping Operations M6 SMART Motorway

As part of National Highways’ M6 SMART Motorway upgrade between junctions 2 & 4a AEMG were appointed by Balfour Beatty Vinci JV (BBV JV) to carry out the Landscaping required to complete the works following the construction of new technology and the deployment of the running hard shoulder. Balfour Beatty Vinci JV was appointed by National Highways to construct the scheme and work commenced in December 2017 and completed in 2019.

Works included ground and soil preparation, application of herbicide, planting of new trees and shrubs, hydroseeding of grassed areas and 3 years annual maintenance regimes along both sides of the carriageway equating to 51km of SMART Motorway.

The works were carried out in a continuous visit over a 4-month period, carrying out operations on both North and South Bound carriageways simultaneously.

Our works were delivered via our own directly employed operatives and the deployment of our company owned plant and machinery. Plant and equipment included tractors, Unimog, Finn hydroseeders, water bowser and hand tools for planting trees and shrubs. The majority of the works carried out were highly automated which supports the following health and safety aspects of our delivery:

• Significant productivity outputs
• Safer working methods minimising Hand Arm Vibration and Manual handling risks
• Minimal impact on existing habitat areas

The trees and shrubs were specifically selected by the design team to provide suitable habitats for the species defined by the pre-construction Ecological Surveys. As the trees and shrubs develop numerous resident species will utilise these newly planted areas.

In total our Operations were carried out over a 4-month period working a total of 23 149 hours on site with zero accidents and incidents

Following completion of the Landscaping, Planting and Hydroseeding works AEMG continue to maintain the landscaped areas for the following 3 years until establishment.