A320 Chertsey Improvements
The Brief
We were commissioned to support a road and junction improvement scheme along the A320 in Chertsey, Surrey, with the aim to reduce congestion and improve journey times. The works, undertaken during 2025 and 2026, involved the clearance of trees and vegetation in areas impacted by the new and improved scheme. Tree stumps were grubbed out and either mulched or ground in situ to prepare the site for construction.
Our Approach
To maximise efficiency and reduce programme duration, we mechanised almost all of the clearance works. A dedicated project manager was appointed as a single point of contact for multiple client engineers and sub-agents. This ensured consistent oversight of all clearance works, effective planning and delivery of each phase, and strong working relationships with the client’s project team.
Scope and Resources
The works covered an almost 4km route, including four major junction improvement areas. Key resources included:
- 21-tonne excavator with tree shears – for sectionally felling and dismantling larger trees or reaching difficult areas.
- Forestry mulcher – to mulch grubbed-out stumps efficiently.
- 13-tonne excavators – used for the majority of the clearance works, particularly where zero tail swing or minimal reach was required.
- Grapple saws and tree shears – to fell vegetation safely.
- Arborists – provided ecological checks for bats.
- Arboricultural consultant – supervised investigations around root protection zones.
Challenges
The works were fragmented, as planning consents had to be discharged before each subsequent phase could begin, creating gaps of several weeks or months between phases.
By providing a dedicated project management service, we were able to pre-plan each phase in detail and coordinate resources to mobilise efficiently when required. Regular site visits with the client allowed us to identify potential issues, such as traffic management or underground services, and agree solutions ahead of remobilisation.
Results
- Efficient delivery of vegetation clearance, with constraints identified early and solutions planned before plant and labour were mobilised.
- Reduced delays and inefficiencies through proactive project management.
- Strong collaboration with the client’s team ensured works were delivered smoothly across multiple phases.
Team and Timeline
The project commenced in February 2025, with planning activities starting in 2024, and continues through 2026 in line with construction programme requirements.
The project was delivered using our in-house plant, operators, and arboricultural teams, all coordinated by a dedicated project manager to ensure clear communication and consistent oversight.
See more case studies from the Practicality Brown Team.