How Greener Solutions are helping to drive the largest road infrastructure project in Wales

The A465 Heads of the Valleys road section 5 and 6 extends for 17 kilometres and is being converted into a 70mph dual carriageway with six junctions. The work is being carried out to improve traffic flow, make the road safer and improve accessibility.

It forms part of the overall Heads of the Valleys Road upgrade project - estimated to cost £1bn - which was divided into six sections. This is one of the most challenging sections to complete due to the environmental mitigation measures that needed to be planned and executed, so innovative and sustainable equipment solutions are a critical part of the project.

Sunbelt Rentals has worked hand in hand with Future Valleys Construction (FCC) who were awarded the design and construction contract for this section of the A465 project.

The Challenge 

There have been several location and environmental challenges throughout this project.

The size and location of the project present a challenge to any contractor, with a need to source local suppliers where ever possible, and consolidate deliveries, as well as monitor equipment and its performance across such a vast area.

The hilltop scheme crosses two valleys and includes sloping ground, with a 210m difference in topography between Dowlais in the east and Hirwaun in the west.

Sections of the A465 are located near homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses, as well as areas with challenging ground conditions. This presents difficulties in using heavy plant and other equipment, requiring innovative solutions to minimise environmental impact and reduce disruption to local residents and businesses.

The Solution 

Due to the sheer scale of this project, a huge amount of equipment has been needed to enable the construction work to be carried out.

As the UK’s largest rental provider, with over 250,000 items on fleet across 25 different product categories, Sunbelt Rentals UK were able to partner with FCC as a preferred supplier across multiple product categories. This enables contractors to consolidate their supply chain and site deliveries, with Sunbelt Rentals also providing an onsite hire storage facility to support with the Project’s extensive and constantly evolving equipment requirements.

From Stage V plant to powered access equipment, mobile welfare units, eco lighting and environmental monitoring equipment, Sunbelt Rentals UK have provided solutions from over a dozen specialist business areas, with an added commitment to providing
equipment with an age profile of 3 years or less, ensuring it is the highest specification available.

Innovative and greener equipment solutions have been important on this project, from Eco Tower Lights which operate on timers and provide energy saving LED lighting and Stage V plant equipment fitted with state-of-the-art tracking solutions to environmental
monitoring devices to record noise.

Not only have solutions like these contributed towards reduced deliveries to site, but Stage V compliant engines are currently the most advanced commercially available solution in today’s market for lowering NOX and PM in larger plant. On board telemetry has helped protect against potential theft of equipment, as well as enhancing safety on-site, with the customer having their own login giving them access to a whole host of information such as driver speed or whether seat belts are being used. 

The Result 

FCC Construcción are delighted with the full-service solution provided by Sunbelt Rentals, it’s anticipated that this road upgrade project could drive investment in the area through improved accessibility, and the success of the scheme could set an example
for future projects.

Over and above the supply of equipment and services for this project, Sunbelt Rentals is proud to have provided social value to the local community by colleagues committing volunteer hours and equipment for initiatives such as building a sensory garden for a
local school, supporting children with special educational needs and hosting a local schools ‘girls into construction day’.

Want to know how Sunbelt Rentals could help your project? Contact us below: