Major works advance at M5 Oldbury Viaduct
VolkerLaser was appointed as principal contractor by National Highways to deliver critical structural rehabilitation, and cathodic protection works at Oldbury Viaduct as part of their P76 preventative maintenance strategy. Located along the M5 motorway, the project focuses on restoring and protecting six viaduct bents to ensure the structure’s durability and extend its lifespan.
Before physical works began, VolkerLaser secured traffic and scaffold permits, ensured environmental compliance, and established access through a neighbouring business. Due to limited space, a secondary compound was set up off-site to store materials and manage logistics.
Enabling works began with the removal of 211 metres of central reservation from the Wolverhampton Road to facilitate narrow lanes and install temporary vertical concrete barriers. This allowed the team to work safely under live traffic conditions throughout the works. Enclosed scaffolding systems, each extending 66 metres, were erected on both sides of the viaduct. These were designed to provide continuous access across bents 16 and 17, with the scaffold fully encapsulated to ensure safe containment of water spray and debris generated during hydro-demolition works.
Over the course of the project, our team carried out 283 concrete repairs using hydro-demolition to remove delaminated material and expose corroded steel, with reinforcement being replaced as necessary to improve long-term structural integrity. Drainage diversions were carried out in parallel to the repair works, with new high-level and underground ducting installed ahead of the cathodic protection phase.
An Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system was then installed, consisting of titanium mesh anodes for the crossbeams and 176 discrete anodes for the rocker bearings. Six Transformer Rectifier panels and a control unit were added, and the panel walls treated with conductive mortar spray. Across the structure, 70 tonnes of DS spray, designed for concrete repairs, formed part of the overlay system. The I-beams were also cleaned and repainted and all gutters were removed and replaced.
With site activity taking place close to live traffic and pedestrian routes, every precaution was taken to ensure safety and compliance. Traffic management remained in place throughout, and scaffolding was fully enclosed with plyboard sheeting to control noise and airborne material.
The scheme remains on programme, with physical works due to complete by September 2025. After this, the ICCP will be monitored our team for 12 months to confirm ongoing performance and system continuity. Despite logistical challenges and a restricted access window, the team has maintained excellent health and safety performance, with zero RIDDORs or minor injuries to date. A recent Considerate Constructors Scheme audit scored the site 43 out of 45- recognising high standards in site conduct, stakeholder communication, and environmental management.
All works are scheduled for final completion by November 2026.
