Collaborative working in highways major maintenance projects

Over the last decade, there has been a growing emphasis on collaborations and partnering in the construction industry. This has been embraced in the UK highways maintenance sector, with partnering promoted by the client, leading to the formation of alliances and partnering frameworks. One of these is the construction management framework (CMF), the preferred method of procurement for major maintenance projects in the Highways Agency’s areas 9 and 10. This paper compares two road and structure renewals schemes carried out using the CMF. The first scheme was carried out in 2004 as one of the first of its type to be undertaken by the CMF; the second was a similar project carried out in 2006. Documentation of the two projects was reviewed to identify the benefits that were gained through working in collaboration, and if there was an improvement in performance as the framework became more established. The research considered key performance indicators, including cost and time predictability measures, respect for people surveys, innovations and lessons learned discussed at the time of the projects, and instructions for changes to works information. Data collected from both schemes show improvements in measurement and culture fostered by the CMF, and the advantages of the processes used are illustrated.