Road contractors could be forced to rip-out and replace miles of drainage work on Britain's motorways following claims that substandard products have been installed.
The Highways Agency has launched an investigation which could lead to massive disruption during any necessary remedial work.
The probe centres on claims by leading suppliers that kerb drainage products have been used on a number of road contracts that do not meet strict HA load bearing specifications.
The whistleblowers include materials suppliers Fowler & Holden, ACO and Marshalls.
The HA spokeswoman said contractors were responsible for ensuring the products used met its Specification for Highway Works and have British Standards certification.
Scarey stuff indeed.
Edited By Dave_L on 1214413456
RW Gale Ltd - Civils & Surfacing Contractors based in Somerset
This is a story driven more by commerce than by engineering. It's no coincidence that those complaining happen to supply products at the top of the market.
From what I've read and been told by someone close to the issue, there's very limited problems with a very small number of installations and it is unlikely that kilometre after kilometre of kerb-drain will be ripped up unless it can be shown there is a significant problem.
Instead, expect more diligent oversight of contract spec and installation techniques.
