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.