Bridge beam lift a major milestone on M2 project

Timelapse footage released by National Highways captured a major milestone on the M2 junction 5 scheme that took place this week as giant bridge beams were lifted into place on the transformative project. 

To view or download the timelapse footage, visit: GRAHAM completes major beam lift for new Stockbury Flyover at M2 junction 5 Improvements scheme 

A specialist 500 tonne mega crane was on site this week along with 18 precast beams to install the first precast concrete bridge beams for the new Stockbury flyover, south of Stockbury roundabout, 

The delicate and challenging operation started on Wednesday and took two days to lift the 18 beams into place. National Highways were able to complete the work without the need for road closures, keeping disruption to a minimum and traffic flowing on the A249 and the M2. 

The beams measuring around 22.5 metres in length – around the same as two double decker buses – will support the new road deck on the south side of the new flyover. This work is a significant step in the £92m transformation of this important junction which is one of the busiest in the region and experienced large queues and heavy congestion daily.  

Once complete, the flyover will allow traffic to flow without restrictions over the Stockbury roundabout, reducing delays and improving safety.  

Dan Rollinson, project lead for the M2 Junction 5 scheme, said: “This is a key strategic route through Kent providing an alternative link with cross-channel ports and the rest of the country. Our improvements to this important junction will help tackle congestion that drivers, businesses and the local community have encountered for a long-time.” 

A team of workers from National Highways and GRAHAM were involved as the two edge beams weighing 56-tonnes each and 16 beams in the middle weighing 20-tonnes each, were lifted into place. 

National Highways M2 junction 5 improvement team have also recently celebrated 355,000 safe hours on the construction site. “Construction sites can be dangerous places, and this scheme is being delivered alongside live traffic lanes to help minimise disruption to motorways,” said Dan. “It’s a real fantastic achievement to reach 355,000 safe working hours, and a testament to our commitment to keeping everyone safe and well.” 

Gordon Henderson, Member of Parliament for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said: “It was good to see a major step towards completing this much needed project to solve the long standing problem of congestion on the A249. In addition to that historic congestion, my constituents have had to put up with the necessary major disruption that accompanies any large road improvement project.  

“They have done so with little complaint and I am sure they will be as delighted as me to see that the project is on schedule to be completed next year. We can’t wait!” 

For more information on Bridge beam lift a major milestone on M2 project talk to Nationwide Sureties