Hounslow Highways provides refreshed link to Heathrow

Hounslow Highways has completed road reconstruction works on Stanwell Road West, one of the borough’s main links to Heathrow Airport.

As a busy road, a large number of heavy goods vehicles and buses use the 50mph dual carriageway, resulting in significant loading and pressure on the road. This required a more detailed maintenance plan for this critical route to ensure it is fit for purpose for many years to come.

Initially, the road was programmed to have a normal reconstruction, however extensive tests carried out before the works indicated that innovative engineering techniques could be used to strengthen the concrete layers beneath and bring greater durability to the road structure.

As a result, there was less disruption for residents, road users and other stakeholders, the works were completed faster and there were lower carbon emissions.

The works have included a new central reservation, joint sealing, and different types of surfacing materials to prevent water getting in and to lengthen the life of the road.

Due to the nature and use of Stanwell Road West, Hounslow Highways had to work closely with a number of different agencies to ensure the smooth running of the works, including the British Airport Authority, British Pipeline Agency, Surrey County Council, the Highways Agency, Transport for London, London Buses, the London Borough of Hounslow and local businesses.

This project is known as a Scheme of Specialist Engineering Designation (SSED) and has been carried out as part of Hounslow Highways’ Core Investment Period to bring roads and pavements up to standard and to maintain them for the duration of the 25-year contract.

Hounslow Highways Service Director Rob Gillespie said: “These works will ensure the road is safe, durable and easier to maintain for many years to come.”

“We have been able to complete these works with minimal disruption to residents and in a shorter amount of time than anticipated which really has helped keep the borough moving.”