The £1.3m works started in January 2013 and comprised of paving, new footways, carriageways, street lighting, drainage, traffic signals and soft landscaping. The works consisted of the complete refurbishment of the high street, with work split in two on each half of the street, to minimise disruption.

VolkerHighways worked closely with Jacobs and the client to ensure that the works were carried out to the highest standard. One of the main aims of the re-development was to reduce the speed of traffic and to create better traffic flow. This was achieved by new speed ramps and pedestrian crossings, benefitting the public by giving them safer access to cross.

When carrying out the drainage and re-surfacing of the road, the area of works was closed off for the health and safety of the public and our employees. During this period VolkerHighways provided gates and access paths through the site at all times for emergency services. A diversion route was also set up with traffic management to ensure there were minimal delays to the traffic flow. This set of works also included new paving, kerbs, street lighting and tree pits.

Hornchurch high street is very busy so the paving work was carried out in sections to allow access to business at all times. The liaison manager worked very closely with stakeholders and members of the public to ensure effective communication at all times.

VolkerHighways is dedicated to offering opportunities for young people interested in working in the civil engineering and construction sector. James Gunn, VolkerHighways apprentice, worked in the project team as part of his tailored development plan, combining academic learning with on-the-job training.

James said: "This experience gave me the opportunity to work with experienced tradesmen and gain more knowledge of how projects work from start to finish. I feel I have earned more responsibility and look forward to my future with VolkerHighways".  

The major schemes work was successfully completed and the road was opened at the agreed time.

Chris Smart, regeneration officer of area programmes for the London Borough of Havering, said: "The success of this project is largely due to the excellent management processes that VolkerHighways has maintained throughout and workmanship of an extremely skilled and tireless workforce. The attention to detail in all aspects of the project has been faultless and the relationships fostered between workers and local traders have helped immensely delivering this complicated project.

"I would have no hesitation in recommending this particular crew to anyone embarking on a major scheme of this size and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved."