Client: National Highways
Date: 2014-2025
The M6 project enhanced vital infrastructure, improved journey times and left a lasting positive impact on local communities, the environment and future generations.
In 2024, Costain, as part of the SMP Alliance, completed a 10 year and £260 million upgrade of the M6 between Warrington and Wigan on behalf of National Highways. The project, which added an additional lane in each direction, has eased congestion, improved travel times and enhanced road safety for the 120,000 vehicles using the route daily.
The scheme was exemplary in many ways, including winning a prestigious Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold Award and the Green Apple award, which aims to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice. The team, including many of the 3,000-plus road workers who delivered the project, volunteered thousands of hours to deliver an outstanding social value legacy to more than 20 local community groups and charities, as well as delivering over 800 hours of STEM and careers support to 16 schools in the area.
Social impact
The project team provided a wide range of targeted support, including:
- A new sustainable irrigation system for Cleavley Community Forest Garden near Salford
- Helping Millbrook Primary School pupils build a 'tuck shop', bee garden and vegetable patch
- Donating more than 300 books to Newton Community Centre’s book recycling fundraising events and helping repair and repaint parts of the building.
Further contributions included career-focused STEM workshops and infrastructure improvements such as new drainage at Garswood Hall Bowling and Community Club. Support for charities assisting vulnerable groups also reinforced the project’s commitment to social inclusion.
This project exemplifies how infrastructure development can drive long-term community benefits. By embedding social value into project delivery, Costain has demonstrated its dedication to creating a positive legacy for local people, businesses and the
environment.
Contact
Ann-marie Morrison
Sector director
[email protected]