Capital Works
A capital scheme is a scheme designed to improve a part of the
trunk road network and enhance its value over an extended period of
time (as opposed to maintenance of the existing asset). It includes
the cost of procuring, constructing and installing the new element
of the network, whether for replacement of worn or obsolete assets
or as an addition to the existing network.
A brief description of each scheme type delivered within the
South Wales area is contained below.
Preliminary Investigations
This budget is
intended to cover preliminary investigatory work where a perceived
problem has been identified. The works are intended to establish
whether they will lead to the identification of a specific scheme
of whatever type may be appropriate to address the problem.
Feasibility Studies
These cover more
tentative issues where we are planning for the future and are
intending to head off any potential network problems. These studies
may involve an examination of a section of the network or an
area.
Cycling Infrastructure
Schemes to provide
traffic-free shared use paths adjacent to the Trunk Road Network to
connect villages and towns.
Lighting, Communications & Signals
Capital
New capital works which are intended to add
to the existing infrastructure and include the provision of new
equipment.
Making Better Use
A programme of
improvements to the existing facilities in order that road network
usage may be improved. Schemes typically include the installation
of variable message and pictogram signs and installation of
Motorway Incident and Automatic signal setting (MIDAS) system
Skidding Resistance
Measures
Road repair schemes intended to maintain high levels of resistance
to skidding
Noise reduction
Schemes intended to mitigate the
effects of traffic noise by introducing low noise surfacing or
noise barriers or a combination of both
Remedial Earthworks
These are schemes where there is a current problem that involves
earthworks. Remedial measures can include for soil nailing, rock
catchment fencing, reinforced earthworks.
Local Safety Schemes
These are safety improvement schemes that are
undertaken at locations where a cluster of accidents have occurred
over a period of 3 years along the Trunk Road Network. Once
improved the sites are monitored in order to assess the current
accident situation. New studies involving routes rather than sites
are being introduced.
Small Schemes
These schemes are identified by type rather than by cost but by
their nature are likely to be of relatively low value. Schemes
could include Traffic Calming, Footway Provision, Pedestrian
refuges, Drainage Provision and Safety Fencing.
Community Schemes
These schemes are intended to achieve
accident reduction, speed reduction and to improve the quality of
life for the inhabitants of rural villages and hamlets through
which a trunk road passes.
Major Maintenance
These are renewal works which are designed to restore the original
life of the road. Major maintenance are schemes with an estimated
construction cost of £250,000 or more.
Bridge Programme
This programme involves
the assessment, strengthening, monitoring and upgrading of existing
structures. The upgrading works include upgrading of parapets,
corrosion protection , provision of waterproofing on bridges
etc.
Bridge Capital
These schemes involve the maintenance of elements of the bridges
within the Welsh Government ownership. These works are part of a
continual programme of works comprising the replacement of
components such as joints or bearings and the application of
proactive treatment to concrete and steel surfaces.
Upgrade Schemes
These are schemes which are intended
to enhance and improve sub-standard sections of trunk road by
upgrading their features (i.e. alignment, visibility, gradient etc)
to modern day standards.
Lighting renewals
These schemes are where the street lighting on the motorway and
trunk road network is to be upgraded to current standards thus
ensuring an ongoing programme for continuation of accreditation
with the Institute of Energy
Tunnel Programme
These schemes are similar to the
bridge programme onesbut are focused on the M4 Brynglas Tunnels and
A40 Gibraltar Tunnels only.
Forward Programme
These schemes are major schemes that are anticipated to cost more
than £1million. These have been identified in the Welsh
Government’s Forward Programme 2002 and are based on short term and
long term improvements with the strategic routes of Wales.