23rd Jul 2014 07:43
LONDON (Alliance News) - Balfour Beatty PLC Wednesday said it has been awarded a GBP129 million contract to upgrade a 13 mile stretch of the M3 motorway through Hampshire and Surrey.
The upgrade, for the UK government's Highway Agency, will increase capacity, reduce congestion and shorten journey times for the 120,000 motorists using the road every day, the company said.
FTSE 250-listed Balfour Beatty said the stretch will be transformed into a "smart motorway".
The M3 between Junction 2 and Junction 4a will be upgraded to a four-lane motorway by converting the hard shoulder to a permanent running lane. Electronic signs, operated by a regional control centre, will also be installed to manage the flow of traffic in response to driving conditions.
Construction activity will include installing and refurbishing gantries, new static and variable signs, concrete safety barriers, drainage and surfacing works.
"The Highways Agency's approach to using technology in this way reduces the costs of the road network, provides additional capacity and improves journey times," Balfour Beatty Chairman Steve Marshall said in a statement.
The infrastructure group said mobilisation work is due to start at the beginning of August, with the main construction work due to start this autumn. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2017.
Balfour Beatty shares were quoted up 0.3% at 232.80 pence Wednesday morning.
By Anthony Tshibangu; [email protected]; @AnthonyAllNews
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