M5 Oldbury viaduct works

[Bryn666]

Concrete step barrier won't cure if there are vibrations - it's why Tinsley never got one either.

The bits that have traditional steel presumably are a bit too flexible for it.

[brummie_rob]

Concrete step barrier won't cure if there are vibrations - it's why Tinsley never got one either.

The bits that have traditional steel presumably are a bit too flexible for it.

Surely the jersey barriers could have been plonked down along the whole stretch, because considering all the kerbing, drainage and new steel barriers as well as connectors between the mix; it seems to be just as time consuming from my perspective, but this was the comprise for running behind.

[linuxrocks]

Lots of trouble there this morning https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black- ... d-17261272

An "infrastructure defect" - wrong kind of cement used?

[brummie_rob]

I drove over that spot early this morning and got off at J2 and didn't see any issues (unlike the craters on the link road that appeared a few weeks ago). Caused some real problems this afternoon though, I can only presume with weekend getaways trying to get through.

[brummie_rob]

In a surprise to no one, the works are slightly delayed again. Southbound restrictions will start to be removed from Monday, but Northbound is no where near finished yet. The overall works and removal will be finished by Jan 2020 when 70mph returns after a period of testing at 50mph.

[Big L]

In a surprise to no one, the works are slightly delayed again. Southbound restrictions will start to be removed from Monday, but Northbound is no where near finished yet. The overall works and removal will be finished by Jan 2020 when 70mph returns after a period of testing at 50mph.

What are they testing that needs a 50 limit to be in place? I know there is a period of ‘testing’ before a new section of smart motorway opens, but this section isn’t smart.

[Micro The Maniac]

this section isn’t smart.

In some ways, I can't help but feel they missed the opportunity...

[Big L]

this section isn’t smart.

In some ways, I can't help but feel they missed the opportunity...

4 lanes between 2+1, 3 lanes through j1, 4 lanes up to the 2+2 diverge/converge for the M6 N/S would be very helpful. Joined up thinking you see.

When is this bit of M5 due for smart works? I can’t believe it isn’t in the pipeline!

[IAN]

It would be expensive to make this section 'smart' as you'd have to widen the viaduct in several places to build the refuges.

Ian (M5 Driver)

[Big L]

It would be expensive to make this section 'smart' as you'd have to widen the viaduct in several places to build the refuges.

Ian (M5 Driver)

It's 2.1 miles, so maximum one refuge each way I would think. 3.2 miles of elevated M6 (J6-J5) only has one each way.

[Jeni]

It would be expensive to make this section 'smart' as you'd have to widen the viaduct in several places to build the refuges.

Ian (M5 Driver)

It's 2.1 miles, so maximum one refuge each way I would think. 3.2 miles of elevated M6 (J6-J5) only has one each way.

Let's not forget that many roads don't have any refuges in that distance.

[Big L]

It would be expensive to make this section 'smart' as you'd have to widen the viaduct in several places to build the refuges.

Ian (M5 Driver)

It's 2.1 miles, so maximum one refuge each way I would think. 3.2 miles of elevated M6 (J6-J5) only has one each way.

Let's not forget that many roads don't have any refuges in that distance.

Let's not forget that many roads aren't smart motorways.

[Jeni]

It's 2.1 miles, so maximum one refuge each way I would think. 3.2 miles of elevated M6 (J6-J5) only has one each way.

Let's not forget that many roads don't have any refuges in that distance.

Let's not forget that many roads aren't smart motorways.

Let's not forget that without all the smart tech that said roads would arguably be less safe.

[brummie_rob]

In a surprise to no one, the works are slightly delayed again. Southbound restrictions will start to be removed from Monday, but Northbound is no where near finished yet. The overall works and removal will be finished by Jan 2020 when 70mph returns after a period of testing at 50mph.

What are they testing that needs a 50 limit to be in place? I know there is a period of ‘testing’ before a new section of smart motorway opens, but this section isn’t smart.

Testing the new gantries and loops in the road supposedly. Even though they just reinstalled the old overhead matrix signs. Just sounds ridiculous. Even though they will be removing the South works, they were still doing drainage today on it but there certainly seemed a lot of workers on site this evening past 7pm hurrying along.

[Chris Bertram]

In a surprise to no one, the works are slightly delayed again. Southbound restrictions will start to be removed from Monday, but Northbound is no where near finished yet. The overall works and removal will be finished by Jan 2020 when 70mph returns after a period of testing at 50mph.

What are they testing that needs a 50 limit to be in place? I know there is a period of ‘testing’ before a new section of smart motorway opens, but this section isn’t smart.

Testing the new gantries and loops in the road supposedly. Even though they just reinstalled the old overhead matrix signs. Just sounds ridiculous. Even though they will be removing the South works, they were still doing drainage today on it but there certainly seemed a lot of workers on site this evening past 7pm hurrying along.

I'll believe it when the yellow signs are taken down on the M6 approach to J8 southbound and the blanking plates are removed, uncovering "The SOUTH WEST" for the M5.

[Bendo]

Let's not forget that many roads don't have any refuges in that distance.

Let's not forget that many roads aren't smart motorways.

Let's not forget that without all the smart tech that said roads would arguably be less safe.

Which smart tech is that then?

Do people really think its a good idea to have L1 right against the barrier to the side of the viaduct? In the event of a breakdown should people climb over the barrier and hold on tight?

[KeithW]

Lots of trouble there this morning https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black- ... d-17261272

An "infrastructure defect" - wrong kind of cement used?

More likely a failed or bady fitted expansion joint.

[Truvelo]

Smartification of the M5 isn't needed. Any problems are normally caused by inadequate capacity at the M6 J8 merge.

[brummie_rob]

The fixed lane barriers on the link have been removed in the first of this week's overnight closures. The queues on the link this week have been terrible so J7 has come in handy as usual.

Still tarmac and drainage to be laid though so they best get a move on.

[brummie_rob]

All three lanes southbound are due to open on Thursday morning. White lining was taking place last night. Northbound still has some large areas of tarmac that needs laying and even waterproofing still. I'm not sure they will reopen all lanes by Christmas which is what they are aiming for.