As we approach the final year of construction, let’s take a moment to look back on the significant strides made on the scheme this year, as we work to provide a safer, more integrated network for road users.

Structures

• The majority of major works on all four bridge structures have been completed.
• The installation of six steel girders for Duckwood Bridge, measuring 40 metres in length and weighing up to 113 tonnes, the largest beam lift of the scheme.
• Successfully installed 27 precast concrete units to extend the Grove Brook culvert, using 650 and 150 tonne cranes to expertly lift them into place.
• Completion of all utility’s diversions, such as mains water, power, sewage and communications.
• The gantry bases have been constructed in readiness to install two new overhead gantries, spanning the width of the M25 carriageway.

Earthworks

• Constructed 15 RECo walls, concrete earth retaining walls that were manufactured to allow a more space-efficient way to build.

• Progressed earthworks to shape the landscape for the new two-lane loop road that will link the M25 to the A12.

Landscape

• The scheme's extensive landscaping plans continue, with the planting of 21,000 trees and shrubs to commence in January 2025.
• Completion of 3 attenuation ponds across the scheme. These are used to retain and slowly release rainwater in a storm, to not overload our surrounding rivers.

Roads

• Surfacing of the new M25 B Track Entry Slip has been completed this month, including line painting and stud works, in readiness for traffic to be switched over in the New Year.

• The A12 Eastbound Exit Slip is now surfaced to binder level, as finishing works including street lighting, VRS and parapet railing installation continue ahead of traffic being switched over in late February 2025.

• The new loop road between the M25 anticlockwise and the A12 eastbound is substantially constructed, with tie-in works on either side due to finish ahead of opening to traffic in late summer 2025.