FM Conway and National Highways have delivered a low carbon scheme on the M4, combining hydrogen and electric plant to resurface the carriageway.
The scheme, between Junctions 15 and 16 of the motorway, including the first use of JCB’s hydrogen 3CX backhoe loader on the strategic road network.
It aimed to show how low carbon materials, innovative paving techniques and low emissions machinery can be combined to accelerate the transition to greener infrastructure, the companies said.
As a result, it delivered a carbon saving of 50% (630 tonnes of CO2e) versus the standard design, and ensured each stage of the construction project saw reductions.
JCB’s hydrogen backhoe loader was accompanied by Sany’s electric planer and 4.5 tonne roller – which were all transported on Volvo’s fully electric 42 tonne lorry. The 11,000 tonne scheme was delivered over six weeks using low carbon material.
The teams coordinated planning for electric charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure alongside support from the National Highways team and its Low Carbon Demonstrator Fund.
Andy Weymouth, framework delivery manager at FM Conway, said:
“Delivering this scheme on time and to such a high standard was only possible through genuine collaboration with our partners – we all played a vital role. It took belief in a shared goal and a healthy dose of commitment to integrate the use of these new technologies effectively.
“By working together, we overcame challenges and set a new benchmark for how sustainable road construction can be achieved on the national strategic network. This scheme is proof that when we unite expertise and resources, we can accelerate the transition to greener infrastructure and deliver real impact.”
Angela Halliwell, Head of Carbon and Air Quality at National Highways, said:
“We’re committed to cutting carbon from road maintenance and are proud to support the acceleration of new low‑carbon technologies, helping bold projects like this become a reality.
“This isn’t just about testing ideas, but generating real‑world learning that can drive wider adoption and help make our network one of the greenest in the world.”
Image courtesy of FM Conway/National Highways
