News

M25 J3 project receives ‘Highly Commended’ at the Highways Awards

We’re extremely pleased to announce that, alongside National Highways, Octavius Infrastructure and AtkinsRéalis, Connect Plus and CPS were highly commended in the category of Steve Berry Highways Authority Innovation. 

This entry recognises the M25 J3 Swanley Interchange CFRP Bridge Strengthening project in trailblazing a new innovative method of strengthening concrete structures whilst keeping traffic flowing. 

Having assessed fifteen different options for repair, the team opted to use Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Rods, embedded near the surface of the structure. This was to be a UK first for the highways sector. 

The category received an especially high number of entries and, to follow second behind the Metropolitan Police’s entry, is a true testament to the innovation that the project will be bring to the industry.  

Congratulations to everyone involved in the project. 

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services:

  • In 2009, National Highways awarded Connect Plus a 30-year contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads. It continues to be National Highways’ flagship public finance initiative (PFI) and is the largest highways PFI project ever awarded in the UK.
  • Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Investment Partners - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
  • Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis.
  • With a workforce of 780 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
  • For further information please visit: https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/