Roadside vegetation clearance - M4 Motorway, Brynglas Tunnels to the Severn Bridge: November 2010 – February 2011

Spencer ECA gained another high profile contract at the end of 2010, when it was awarded the roadside clearance and maintenance programme for a 10-mile stretch of the M4 between two of South Wales’ most recognisable landmarks: the Brynglas Tunnels and the second Severn Crossing.

The contract was awarded via Alun Griffiths Contractors by SWTRA (South Wales Trunk road Agency), the organisation responsible for managing, maintaining and improving the motorways, trunk roads and associated assets throughout the South Wales region on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Spencer’s work involved motorway embankment and woodland plot management, thinning and spacing, the work encompassing trees, shrubs, grass and invasive plants. The residue was then removed from site for recycling so that the areas cleared were left in a neat and tidy condition.

Much of the material removed from site was recycled for use in children’s play areas, where the vegetation was used under-foot.

With this section of motorway one of the busiest in the UK, Spencer also had to implement traffic management systems where required. It also meant that the work had to be carried out in the most efficient way possible, with a team of 12 people working every day to ensure the operation caused the minimal amount of disruption to road-users.

Once again, Spencer was complemented on its work and is now preparing for further projects associated with roadside maintenance and vegetation control during the Spring and Summer months, when growth is at its peak.