Additional improvements advance at M5 Oldbury Viaduct
Following the successful completion of our main scope of works, VolkerLaser is progressing with additional improvements at the M5 Oldbury Viaduct on behalf of client, National Highways.
In September 2025, our specialist team completed structural rehabilitation works and cathodic protection installation to six viaduct bents along the M5 motorway.
Since then, Wolverhampton Road has now reverted to its original state following enabling works that narrowed the lanes. The road is now fully open to the public, and the team will continue to monitor the Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system (ICCP) to confirm ongoing performance and system continuity.
At the end of last year, additional scope was agreed with National Highways to deliver guttering replacement works to two existing abutment walls, to prevent further deterioration.
A 70-metre-long scaffolding tower was installed on each abutment to facilitate safe access for works to be undertaken. During the initial hammer tap survey, large areas of delamination were identified along the soffit of one abutment. Following discussions with our client, it was agreed that the delaminated concrete would be removed, and galvanic anodes installed to mitigate further corrosion.
To accommodate this, the team divided the works into two phases including the removal of delaminated concrete, exposing and cleaning the reinforcement, installing 338 sacrificial galvanic anodes, carrying out concrete repairs, re-spraying, and installing the new guttering system.
Guttering replacement on the second abutment is progressing without the need for additional anti corrosion works.
Despite the unexpected challenges, strong collaboration with National Highways ensured an effective solution to address the delamination, and the project is progressing well.
Works are scheduled to be fully complete, in line with the programme, by early March 2026.
