The M74 Completion project which completes the missing link in the strategic motorway network through Glasgow opened on the 28th of June. The project was undertaken by M74 Interlink JV, a joint venture between Morrison Construction, Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, Morgan Sindall and Sir Robert McAlpine.

Holgate were engaged to re-design, supply and install all the noise barrier systems on the scheme. The majority of the barriers used by Holgate are Aluminium Absorbent barrier together with Plexiglas Acrylic barriers for the structures. In total over 11,000 sq/m of barriers were installed on the scheme where quality and performance were paramount. The Holgate Aluminium systems used meet the most stringent acoustic requirements together with durability up to 40 years plus, guaranteed acoustic integrity, no maintenance requirements and an in built anti graffiti paint systems allowing for ease of cleaning if required. The use of Aluminium barriers on the UK road network has been rare over the years but this project represents a departure from the standard low performance timber system normally specified. One would expect that such high performance barriers would come with a high price tag. The reality is that Aluminium barriers can be achieved for the same cost as equivalent timber systems and are less expensive than concrete or steel equivalents. The life costs for aluminium make them the most cost effective systems available on the market and for this reason they are the most popular mitigation solution throughout Europe.