Thomson Ecology and Thomson Habitats have been working with client, a Costain-Galliford Try Joint Venture, on the M1 J19 to J16 Smart Motorway in Northamptonshire. The smart motorway programme is a £65m scheme and is part of Highways England’s Collaborative Delivery Framework. The works are focusing on increasing capacity on the M1 between J16 and 19 and will allow traffic to use the hard shoulder.
Thomson Ecology and Thomson Habitats have been working closely together, and with Costain-Galliford Try since August to deliver the great crested newt (GCN) mitigation works. As part of our works Thomson Ecology and Habitats:
- Provided ecological watching briefs
- Carried out a 25 day GCN trapping and translocation exercise
- Cleared 4.5km of trees, scrub and shrubs to facilitate the installation of GCN fencing
- Supplied and installed 4.5km temporary GCN fencing
- Installed approximately 400 pitfall traps and 450 carpet tiles
- Constructed 30 log piles and eight brick hibernacula
- Provided client access to our award-winning bespoke GIS project management software – TIM (Thomson Interactive Mapping)
Despite numerous logistical difficulties, challenging terrain and working adjacent to an active motorway, we were able to complete the works to programme and to a high quality.
“Thomson have proven to be highly valuable on this scheme. Despite the difficulties of the ground, tight programme and access issues, Thomson have completed the works to a high standard and have maintained the highest levels of professionalism. Their TIM software has proven to be of huge assistance and clearly sets them apart from their competitors. I would not hesitate to use them again.”
Senior Agent, Costain.
