Discover how our partnership with the Midlands Highway Alliance Plus (MHA+) is driving sustainable, innovative and people-focused infrastructure projects.
The Midlands Highway Alliance Plus (MHA+) is setting a new standard of excellence in highway services across the region.
As a unique, self-funding partnership, the alliance supports 35 local highway authorities to deliver services that are not only effective and efficient but also innovative, sustainable and focused on the needs of the people they serve.
Since 2007, we have been a key partner in the MHA+’s Professional Services Partnership framework, providing technical expertise on over 1,000 projects across civil and municipal engineering, bridges, environmental services, geotechnical work and transport planning.
Beyond delivering projects, we also work closely with the alliance on their broader initiatives including presenting at their annual conference on topics from carbon management and innovative pavement materials and delivering regular online and in-person technical training to MHA+ members.
Through this partnership, we’re driving sustainability, digital innovation, social value and collaborative project delivery – supporting a greener, safer and more connected future for partnership members.
Reducing carbon and protecting the environment
Tackling carbon emissions is a priority for the MHA+, and we’re proud to have contributed to numerous projects that make a positive environmental impact.
For example, through the alliance, Nottinghamshire County Council commissioned us to identify potential locations for future on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, ensuring the area is ready for the anticipated increase in EV use.
Our report examined practical and policy considerations, evaluated different charging types, and assessed their feasibility in both urban and rural settings – including the challenges faced by rural communities. This analysis has guided future EV charging trials across Nottinghamshire.
Elsewhere, we collaborated with ORIS and Leicester City Council to assess the sustainability of our designs for the A50 Groby Road Corridor – a project transforming the A50 into a high street with cycle lanes, new crossings and safety improvements.
Using the ORIS platform and assessing different options, we demonstrated potential savings of up to 20 per cent in material costs and a 43-55 per cent reduction in carbon emissions over a 40-year maintenance period as being achievable.
Applying digital tools and technologies
By applying the latest digital tools and technologies, we have significantly enhanced project delivery across our MHA+ projects.
For the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (MMDR) scheme – which involves constructing 7 kilometres of new highway, junctions and multiple bridges – it was essential to gain public understanding and support due to the project’s complexity and impact on the local area.
By using drone surveys and digital visualisations, we created an engaging virtual flythrough, giving stakeholders and the public a clear, detailed view of the proposed route. Additionally, an interactive map allowed us to gather valuable feedback from residents. This innovative approach significantly improved public engagement and accelerated the planning process.
Similarly, for the Aylestone Hill Cycle Scheme, commissioned by Herefordshire County Council, we were tasked with designing a project to improve pedestrian and cyclist facilities along the A465 Aylestone Hill in Hereford.
To efficiently deliver the feasibility design and consultation, we applied our innovative design and public consultation digital tools. Remix Streets facilitated the visualisation and testing of options, with officers and ward members delivering a collaborative approach to cycleway design with Herefordshire County Council. By applying our industry-leading digital tool, PlanEngage, we supported public consultation with an efficient platform that enabled the council to present the design and gather co-design feedback from the local community.
Supporting our clients to deliver social value
Beyond technical expertise, we’re dedicated to ensuring our projects deliver meaningful benefits for communities across the Midlands – from supporting social value initiatives to promoting economic growth.
For example, we’ve been working with Buckinghamshire Council since 2017, delivering over 25 projects while engaging in initiatives that boost employability and skills.
This includes participating in the ‘Big Bucks’ Sales Apprentice Challenge, where students develop business skills by teaming up with local companies, and the Bucks Skills Show, where we inspire young people to pursue careers in infrastructure consultancy.
Collaboration at the heart of every project
Collaboration is fundamental to how we approach projects with the MHA+, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and working towards shared goals from the outset.
For the Didcot Garden Town project, we supported Oxfordshire County Council with feasibility reviews and design planning for key transport infrastructure, including road widening, bridges and bypass construction.
Given the scale and complexity of the projects, the condensed timeframe and the number of stakeholders involved, a key part of our role was to develop a collaborative approach to delivery. By facilitating collaborative workshops, we brought together all stakeholders to map out risks and technical requirements – ensuring a transparent, efficient and coordinated approach to delivery.
Elsewhere, for the Woodville to Swadlincote regeneration road scheme, we designed a 900-metre link road and two roundabouts that will provide much-needed infrastructure to support the development of 300 new homes and the creation of 3,100 jobs.
When the contractor went into administration shortly before completion of the works, we worked closely with other supply chain partners, providing technical support to ensure that the remaining works would be completed on schedule. Thanks to our collaborative efforts, this scheme was Commended in the Team Achievement category at the ICE East Midlands Merit Awards 2022.