Smart Motorways Emergency Areas +
M3 Junction 9 Improvements
The delivery of the additional emergency areas across smart motorways and the M3 Junction 9–14 improvements exemplifies a comprehensive approach to modern motorway safety enhancements. SRA Swift Trading’s engineering contributions helped support the safe and effective delivery of fundamental safety infrastructure improvements that benefit millions of motorists annually, strengthening the performance, resilience, and perceptible safety of the UK’s strategic road network.
National Highways completed a nationwide safety programme to install more than 150 additional emergency areas on smart motorways — major routes without a permanent hard shoulder — improving driver safety and reassurance across the motorway network. The works were part of a £390 million retrofit initiative under the Government’s Road Investment Strategy to support safer stopping places and enhanced technology on all-lane-running (ALR) motorways.
Concurrent major highway improvements on the M3 corridor, including upgrades between junctions including Junction 9, formed part of strategic improvements to traffic flow and resilience on one of the UK’s key motorway links.
SRA Swift Trading’s Role: SRA Swift Trading provided site engineering support on enriched highway safety and major junction upgrade works as part of the Balfour Beatty delivery team on the M3 Junction 9–14 Improvement scheme, supporting delivery of reinforced central reservation barriers, drainage infrastructure and associated highway safety measures.
Project A
Scope of Works
Support liaison with multi-discipline delivery teams for installation of emergency stopping areas at regular intervals on ALR smart motorways.
Assist in setting out and verification checks for infrastructure works adjacent to live carriageways.
Support quality and compliance checks to ensure installations conformed with National Highways requirements for safe stopping locations with emergency telephones and signage.
Coordinate with traffic management to deliver works safely with minimal disruption to travelling public and highway crews.
Project Significance - Emergency Areas
A nationwide programme to deliver more than 150 additional emergency areas on smart motorways has now been completed, providing drivers with frequent, designated safe stopping places in emergencies — particularly important on high-speed routes lacking a permanent hard shoulder.
These emergency areas are marked with orange surfaces and blue SOS signage and include connection to National Highways control rooms, improving confidence and safety for road users on busy motorways.
Delivery of these emergency areas forms part of a larger £900 million safety improvement commitment on smart motorways, including additional safety technology and signage.
Project Details: Smart Motorways Emergency Areas Programme
Client: National Highways
Programme: Smart Motorway Emergency Areas Retrofit
Project Duration: June 2023 – Spring 2025
Role: Site Engineering Support (through partnering highways delivery teams)
Project B
Scope of Works
Upgrading the central reservation barrier with new reinforced concrete barrier systems to enhance overall motorway safety.
Installation of new drainage infrastructure within the central reservation to improve surface water management and resilience.
Replacement and upgrade of central reservation lighting where applicable, to improve visibility and safety through the improvement corridor.
Project Significance
The M3 junction 9 improvement scheme forms part of a wider strategy to reduce congestion and improve safety at a key junction connecting the M3 with the A34, enhancing free-flowing links and reducing queuing and delays for road users.
The programme of works includes major barrier and drainage improvements across the length of the scheme between junctions 9 and 14, supporting safer travelling conditions and network performance on one of the nation’s primary motorway corridors.
The improvements also align with broader smart motorway safety enhancements, building confidence in ALR operation and compliance with modern safety standards.
Project Details: Smart Motorways Emergency Areas Programme
Client: National Highways
Programme: Smart Motorway Emergency Areas Retrofit
Project Duration: June 2023 – Spring 2025
Role: Site Engineering Support (through partnering highways delivery teams)
Technical Expertise
High-quality site engineering practices across complex motorway environments with live traffic and multiple interfaces.
Effective coordination with principal contractors, design teams and asset owners to deliver barrier and drainage upgrades that comply with design specifications and safety standards.
Management of setting-out, quality verification and programme assurance during delivery of safety-focused highway infrastructure.
Integration of engineering support within large-scale safety retrofit programmes, showcasing adaptability across diverse operational parameters.
Safety and Compliance
Safety on motorway worksites is paramount; all works were executed in strict alignment with National Highways’ traffic management protocols, Contractor safety policies, and recognised highway safety standards. Engagement with traffic control and enforcement systems was maintained to ensure protection for both workforce and road users throughout delivery.
Environmental Considerations
Minimising environmental impact on surrounding ecosystems, particularly during drainage works and barrier installations.
Coordination with ecology and environmental assessments where required as part of the M3 Junction 9 scheme planning and delivery process.
Implementation of best practice for waste management, material recycling, and sustainable site operations.
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