National Highways shares construction expertise
A group of Royal Engineer students recently visited the M25 Junction 28 project to gain insights into large-scale road construction from National Highways engineers.
The Corps of Royal Engineers, usually called the Royal Engineers, and commonly known as Sappers, is the engineering arm of the British Army. It provides military engineering and other technical support to the British Armed Forces and is headed by the Chief Royal Engineer.
The students, who are part of the military’s civil engineering bachelor’s degree programme, were given a guided tour of the ongoing upgrades at Junction 28. The initiative aimed to connect classroom theory with practical experience in the field.
During their visit, the students learned about the construction of a new loop road and slip road, as well as the major structures being built. National Highways specialists explained the complexities of maintaining traffic flow while upgrading the busy junction.
Zachary Pepper, project manager at National Highways, said: “It was great to be able to welcome the Royal Engineers to our construction site, which provided the students with a valuable visual representation of the complexities of our major road construction project.”
Staff Sergeant Will Wicker, who led the student group, emphasised the importance of the visit: “This site visit was the culmination of their roads phase, providing them with a tangible connection between classroom theory and real-world application. The students observed various construction phases, including traffic management, earthworks, and bridge construction. The experience offered them practical insights into the challenges and solutions involved in large-scale projects like this one.
“The insights gained during the visit undoubtedly enhanced their understanding and appreciation of civil engineering in practice.”
Hugh McNally, project manager at construction and asset management company GRAHAM, who are delivering the project, added: “We were delighted to welcome the engineers to the scheme. Seeing construction work up close can be a real eye-opener, and I hope this visit has helped bridge the gap between theory and practical application.”
The M25 Junction 28 upgrades aim to improve traffic flow and support potential economic growth in the area. Most of the construction, including four new bridges, is taking place off the main road network to minimise disruption for the travelling public.
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