VolkerLaser begins major refurbishment works to Loudwater Viaduct
VolkerLaser has been appointed by UK Highways M40 Ltd to deliver refurbishment works to Loudwater Viaduct, a 420-metre-long bridge carrying M40 motorway traffic over the Loudwater Valley, in High Wycombe.
Site mobilisation began in March 2026, with contracted works starting mid-April 2026. The full scope of works includes the design and installation of the required temporary works, concrete repairs, cathodic protection, bearing and joint replacement, as well as sprayed concrete application and painting.
To date, the site team has successfully erected pier scaffolding and installed V-Deck™ access platforms across the spans. With site access now established, the team has begun encapsulating the V-Deck™ to enable works to be carried out in a contained environment. Following this, a full delamination survey of the concrete will take place, as well as structural steelwork surveys.
Over the coming months, our specialist team will deliver a range of key services. Concrete repairs will begin across eight spans, progressing in phases from one span to the next to allow for the concrete to cure to the correct strength before moving forward. Spray repairs will be performed using a rapid-setting material to ensure the required strength is achieved, facilitating faster project progression.
After this, the required temporary works will be installed to facilitate jacking of four spans, allowing for bearing replacement. These operations will be carried out during overnight carriageway closures under a traffic management procedure. At the same time, the team will commence grit blasting of the steelwork, followed by repainting. Throughout the project, Cathodic Protection works will see our expert team install an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system (ICCP), including replacing cabinets and upgrading junction boxes. On the bridge deck, both lane and full road closures will be implemented to enable the replacement of transverse joints across 24 spans.
The Loudwater Viaduct project will utilise our in-house expertise and workforce to deliver the extensive scope of works. The project has already provided benefits to the local community, including the employment of a new site engineer and administrator, with an existing apprentice quantity surveyor also supporting the project.
Making a positive difference beyond our specialist work is a key part of our culture. In the early stages of the project, the team has donated over 200 Easter eggs to a local foodbank and contributed more than 60 hours engaging with the community. The team has also maintained good relationships with local stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption during the works.
The project is currently on track for completion, in line with the current programme, with a scheduled finish date of October 2027.
