Friday 17 July 2015

Champion road crews race to smooth the Silverstone surface

Whilst world champion F1 drivers were planning how to take the Silverstone surface, surfacing of a different kind had been going on along the roads outside.

As part of the investment in the County’s road network, Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) road crews were working around the clock to complete a challenging and innovative road reconstruction project on Dadford Road, in the very north of the county, on the approach to the Grand Prix circuit. The road had been one of those earmarked for improvement after road condition surveys, examination by technicians and following consultation with local councillors.

In just over five weeks, TfB crews reconstructed and resurfaced a two and a half mile length between Dadford and Silverstone.

As well as this work, the team also carried out essential drainage and landscaping, along with new signs and road markings, taking full advantage of the road closure in place.

Dave Stewart, Transport for Buckinghamshire Schemes Delivery Manager, said they'd set themselves set a tight schedule, and praised the dedication of the workforce:

"I'm delighted that this challenging project has been successfully delivered on time and budget. We've kept costs down, improved safety and been environmentally friendly at the same time. The work included recycling of significant quantities of old surface materials, bringing environmental and cost benefits and minimising haulage on local roads."

Alex Lacey, Head of Events for Silverstone Circuits Ltd. was also very impressed the way the works were carried out, "Transport for Buckinghamshire set themselves a considerable challenge in April to undertake this work within timescales," he said. "They rose to this challenge and, through a close working relationship and regular communications between all parties, the works were completed in good time for the 2015 Formula One British Grand Prix, meaning customers, as well as local road users, will benefit from the much improved road surface."

Mark Shaw, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport said: "We've now got a road surface that residents - and even F1 drivers - would be proud of! I know it was a big challenge to work towards such a high profile target as the Grand Prix weekend, and I congratulate the team for their determination and drive to take the chequered flag first!"