M2 Junction 5
The previous M2 Junction 5 at Stockbury Roundabout could not deal with the high levels of traffic flowing in all directions and congestion was anticipated to get worse following population growth and local building developments. A decision was made to make a number of improvements to the junction including a flyover which would then allow traffic to flow freely on the A249. Construction of the flyover involved large approach ramps made from Reinforced Earth. In keeping with the vernacular architecture of the region it was decided that the walls would be finished using local field flint stones, the cladding of such a large area would have been very costly and the put pressure on the supply chain in providing a very large number of flints. Reinforced Earth Company (RECo) engaged with stakeholders to help provide a solution to reduce the number of flints based on the recommendations of architects following a visual study. Following several manufacturing trials, it became clear that it made sense to embed the flints into the concrete panels during manufacture rather than post-fix them in-situ, this would ensure consistency, certainty, and safety. RECo’s precast partner Macrete Ireland demonstrated outstanding skills in producing such high-quality panels. Reinforced Earth back-to-back approach ramps are able to be installed very quickly compared to alternative methods even on very restricted busy intersections. RECo also designed and supplied the copings and parapet support providing vehicular restraint.
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