As part of a major intersection upgrade just off Junction 1 on the M5; MGF was approached by Balfour Beatty to design and supply a significant temporary works scheme. The creation of a new underpass under the old roundabout will alleviate the heavy traffic congestion experienced at the junction.
MGF was involved with the scheme from very early in the tender process and spent 12 months working in partnership with Balfour Beatty to prepare the design.
Construction of the A41 Underpass
Balfour Beatty
MGF supplied a significant temporary works solution
This project presented a significant challenge for MGF, primarily due to the sheer scale of the temporary works and the restricted access windows available for installation. With a total of 43 large hydraulic props required to support a 204-metre excavation, careful planning and coordination were essential to ensure the scheme was delivered safely and efficiently.
MGF provided props supporting a 204m section using a total of 43 large props. The scheme was split into 3 main stages.
The first phase focused on the central portion of the excavation, where MGF supplied 6 No. 2500kN Hydraulic Struts. These were paired with 1000 Series Strut Extensions to span an impressive 25 metres. This configuration provided robust support for the initial stage of excavation and formed the backbone of the temporary works.
The second phase involved the western section, supported by 19 No. 1250kN Hydraulic Struts combined with 400 Series Strut Extensions. These props spanned 19 metres and were installed with precision, despite the added complexity of raking angles in both plan and elevation.
The final phase covered the eastern section, which mirrored the western setup with 18 No. 1250kN Hydraulic Struts and 400 Series Strut Extensions, also spanning 19 metres. Like the west, the props here were raked in multiple directions, adding further intricacy to the structural detailing and installation process.
The A41 contract stands as a milestone in MGF’s history, marking the largest single-site deployment of hydraulic props the company has ever undertaken. It was a complex and demanding project, but one that showcased the strength of collaboration, planning, and engineering expertise across the business.
To streamline the installation process and minimise disruption on site, every prop was pre-assembled at MGF’s Head Office. This approach allowed for full-length delivery using MGF’s specialist Nooteboom 28m Extendable Rear Steer Trailer, ensuring each unit arrived ready for immediate installation.
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