PROJECT HISTORY
The challenge
Limited motorway access was causing congestion, delays, and safety issues. Upgrading the junction was essential to unlock growth, enable housing development and support employment.
Creating a safe and efficient new motorway junction on the M5
Optimizing traffic flow sustainably
The solution
Improvements needed to be in keeping with the local environment and meet climate change requirements. Our sustainability-focused designs maximized carbon savings from the start.
The Impact
Our approach is expected to cut CO2e emissions by 30% compared to baseline, while lowering costs and enhancing regional biodiversity.
26,700 tons
Expected amount of CO2e emissions avoided to date (-22%)
30%
Target reduction in CO2e emissions from project baseline
13%
Biodiversity net gain
The challenge
The M5 is an important corridor for regional and national transport in the UK, linking the South West with the Midlands and beyond. However, Junction 10 was previously what is known as a "limited movement junction", which meant that traffic can only enter and exit the motorway in certain direc-tions. This caused congestion and delays, limited connectivity and caused potential safety issues.
The M5 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme aimed to address these issues by improving the junction's layout and providing better access for vehicles travelling in all directions. More than just a road improvement project, the scheme will create opportunities for housing and employment and ensure that this critical section of the motorway continues to meet demand long into the future.
The solution
A key objective was to deliver a solution that is in keeping with the local environment, establishes bio-diversity net gain and meets climate change requirements.
As design consultant on behalf of Galliford Try, the Design and Build Contractor for the project, we focused on combining innovative design techniques with sustainability-focused strategies to create lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
This was achieved through a Whole Life Carbon approach embedded from the project's outset. Aligned with our commitment to sustainability and supporting our clients on their own sustainable transformation journeys, we started by using innovative design tools such as One Click LCA, as well as the National Highways’ Carbon Tool, and 3D BIM Modeling to forecast impactful and measurable results.
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The impact
Our approach is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 30% compared to the project baseline. To date, we have avoided approximately 26,700 metric tons of potential CO2e emissions (22% reduction) compared to a conventional design.
Furthermore, the inclusion of sustainability principles has ensured meaningful benefits for the client, the local community and the wider environment. The preliminary design phase alone has contributed a 13% improvement in biodiversity net gain compared to the pre-existing environment.
