Kilkern paving the way for highway safety improvements on M60

14th Aug 2025

The team is making great progress on one of its latest projects with Octavius, delivering works to facilitate the installation of a new concrete Delta Bloc safety barrier on the M60 through the Irwell Valley.

Part of a £3.7m National Highways scheme, the barrier will replace the existing central reservation steel fence between Junction 16 (Clifton Interchange) and Junction 18 (Simister Island). It’s designed to improve safety for motorists by reducing the risk of crossover collisions and lowering long-term maintenance needs.

Kilkern’s works are being delivered in three phases:

• Phase 1 – Strengthening 19 manholes on night shifts to allow hard shoulder running.
• Phase 2 – Central reservation works: removing 2,100m of cable trough covers, vacuum excavating troughs, ST5 concrete infill, rotating 11 chambers, and installing CKD units ready for barrier installation.
• Phase 3 – Reinstating strengthened manholes with new covers and finishes.

Expertise from across the business

VAC UK colleagues are providing specialist vacuum excavation services to ensure the works are delivered safely and efficiently.

Kilkern Director Patrick Curran said:

“This project showcases our ability to deliver multi-phase works in a live highway environment. By combining Kilkern’s civil engineering and highways expertise with VAC UK’s industry-leading vacuum excavation technology, we can ensure safety, precision, and programme certainty.”

“We’re proud to be working alongside Octavius and all stakeholders to deliver this important safety upgrade for the M60.”