Progress accelerates on M1 River Avon Bridge works
VolkerLaser was appointed as principal contractor by National Highways to deliver concrete repairs and full access solutions at the M1 River Avon crossing.
The £4.58m project began in November 2024 and is scheduled for completion in December 2025. Our team began by installing scaffolding and walkways beneath the bridge across eight half joints, enabling safe and efficient access to critical repair areas. Initial works involved completing necessary concrete repairs on all eight half joints. During these works, our site team identified further defects requiring repairs to the walkway itself- an essential element as it will later accommodate a new cable tray installation.
In addition to scaffold access, two remote access points were established, including temporary trackways on both sides of the field divided by the river, and a temporary car park. One of the main logistical challenges was localised flooding, which threatened to destabilise the tracks. The team resolved this by installing heavy-duty track mats to ensure safe and stable access.
Given the rural location of the site, our team worked closely with local landowners and successfully negotiated access agreements with three neighbouring farmers. Our approach ensured minimal disruption while safeguarding our ability to progress the scheme on schedule.
VolkerLaser is currently overseeing cathodic protection works to extend the life of the reinforced concrete structure. On completion of the protection phase, all scaffolding and temporary access solutions will be dismantled and the surrounding land reinstated to its original state.
