Kilkern and VAC UK join forces for A627(M) upgrade
26th Aug 2026
The Kilkern civil engineering and highways infrastructure team is making excellent progress with drainage improvements on the A627(M) at Chadderton Heights near Oldham.
Kilkern has been brought in by M Group (formerly Milestone) to carry out specialist highways works, including removing just over half a kilometre of overburden and installing 260m of 150mm diameter filter drain and 273m of 225mm diameter filter drain. Kilkern’s specialists are also constructing five new gully covers and frames with appropriate concrete aprons and five new catchpits to improve silt and debris interception before it can enter the drains.
The A627(M), which originally opened in 1972, is a key route between Chadderton and Oldham connecting the two towns to the M62, providing an important link for commuters to the motorway network. It remains a key strategic route and, like much of the UK’s highways infrastructure, requires ongoing investment to maintain resilience and performance.
The improvements will enhance surface water management, reducing the risk of drainage system surcharge during periods of heavy rainfall.
Vacuum excavation providing safe digging muscle
All excavation works are being undertaken using a vacuum excavator operated by colleagues at Kilkern’s sister business VAC UK. Among the advantages of using a vac ex in this situation are its precise digging capabilities, self-contained soil management, small operational footprint and, thanks to its non-invasive method, a minimal risk of damage to existing buried services.
Kilkern director, Patrick Curran, said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside M Group on this important project to upgrade the A627. It is reducing the risk of flooding and surface water build-up to improve driving conditions and relieve congestion for road users.
“It’s a great demonstration of Kilkern’s strength-in-depth that we are able to bring together our civil engineering and highways expertise with our VAC UK colleagues’ suction excavation experience.”
