Project Scope

The M621 Junction Improvements scheme enhanced safety and traffic flow along this urban motorway, which runs 6.5km through the district of Leeds. This motorway is critical for connecting Leeds city centre to surrounding areas, from Junction 27 of the M62 to Junction 43 of the M1, facilitating up to 100,000 vehicles per day.

Executed as a design-and-build scheme, the improvements were designed to alleviate congestion and improve motorists’ overall driving experience by enhancing carriageway infrastructure and advanced technologies. Our scope of works was broad and varied, providing extensive technology upgrades through the introduction of new motorway communications systems, provision of extensive hard and soft landscaping, major drainage renewals and upgrades, introduction of vehicle restraint systems and extensive surfacing to the East & Westbound tracks of the key arterial route. We carried out our works in sections, so the road network remained accessible by the road users.

Key changes included adding a third lane between Junctions 2 and 1 and between Junctions 2 and 3 westbound. Additionally, lanes were increased at the Junction 2 roundabout, and Junction 2a was closed for westbound traffic. Junction 3 westbound now has two lanes, while its on-slip was reduced to one lane. Finally, the project implemented end-to-end motorway technology for improved traffic flow.

Key Challenges and Solutions

The project faced several challenges, including installing 13 new gantries, requiring bespoke designs to address varied ground conditions and shallow mine workings. These structures were supported by custom-designed piles and connected through 10 km of high-standard fibre optic and power cabling and ducting.

Coordination with Leeds City Council and Network Rail was critical for managing interfaces with city assets and train infrastructure. Junction 2 required lane expansions and drainage upgrades, which involved innovative engineering to minimise costs and maximise efficiency. The project achieved significant cost savings by reusing existing ducts and optimising designs. Additionally, price volatility in steel was mitigated through strategic procurement and just-in-time delivery.

Restricted working areas necessitated innovative traffic management and off-peak scheduling to minimise disruptions. Collaborative planning ensured the project adapted to traffic restrictions during Leeds United Football Club events.

Due to the location of the scheme, there were several interfaces with Network Rail assets, bridges, trainlines, embankments, fencing etc. As a result, we were required to undertake extensive processes and governance to permit us working in the vicinity of these NR assets, this involved the completion of Forms 1, 2 and 3 for submission and verification by NR, prior to the commencement of any works.

Initiatives

Innovation

As an industry first in the UK, the M621 Highways project housed a hydrogen fuel cell trial. This technology provides a clean alternative to diesel generators, powering project and works vehicle. At Junction 2, our work involved widening the roundabout and adding an extra lane. We developed a redesigned solution incorporating concrete foundations, providing a cost-effective alternative to the proposed method. To implement this, we secured amended design specifications by demonstrating how our solution improved the initial design.

Community Engagement

The project emphasised inclusivity, working closely with local stakeholders, including accessibility officers from Leeds City Council and organisations such as the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People. A project focus group was established who created a “virtual hall”, with information presented using extremely clear language, with pictorial rather than textual representations.

Furthermore, Year 12 students from UTC Leeds were welcomed for a week on the project. The week included various talks and tours, including visits to our supply chain operations. It concluded with a career discussion attended by our apprentices and graduates.

Gender Equality and Inclusivity

Our project teams prioritised gender equality by achieving 47% female representation in leadership roles and marking International Women’s Day 2024 with a safety stand-down event as part of the ‘M621 Levelling Up’ campaign. This initiative celebrated women’s contributions, reinforced inclusivity, and strengthened the focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion in ongoing project practices.

Achievements

Self-delivery – Across the project’s duration, we self-delivered drainage, groundworks, demolition, formwork reinforced concrete and temporary works.

Local supply chain – Across the design and delivery of the M621 Junction 1 to 7 scheme, we collaborated with over 50 local and national suppliers to deliver the project. At peak, the scheme had in excess of 300 people on site for several months.

Exemplary Road Space Booking – Road space booking accuracy is important to National Highways (NH) and the Department for Transport (DfT) as it directly affects road users.  Aureos had an exemplary record in our 7-day booking accuracy and supported NH in the development of a National Joint Action Plan focused on best practices.

Health & Safety Performance – Aureos Highways & Local Government attained the RoSPA Presidents award (14 consecutive Golds) for Health and Safety performance, which the M621 was a major contributing factor to effective Health and Safety performance.

Awards and Recognition

Social value efforts were awarded the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) award from National Highways. This prestigious award recognises commitments to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace culture and setting new standards within the construction industry.

In October 2024, we scored 10/10 on the National Highways Stakeholder Assurance Framework for our extensive works across the delivery of our M621 scheme. Furthermore, we became one of the highest performers in the National Highways Customer Audit categories, scoring 98% over three consecutive months for independent drive-through audits.

• Constructing Excellence (Y&H) – People & Culture – Highly Commended 2024
• National Highways Industry Award – Equality Diversity & Inclusion – Winner 2024
• Highways Heros – Highways Heros – Winners (Danny Grant & Stuart Culley) 2024
• Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering – Excellence in Senior Leadership Winner 2024
• CECA Yorkshire & Humber Awards – Going the Extra Mile – Highly Commended 2024
• Inspiring Change in the Work Place – Inspiring Change in the Work Place – Winner 2024