M2 Junction 5 retaining walls completed

Knight Architects’ solution for improvements to the M2 Junction 5 in Kent - within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - pays homage to the local use of flint in construction. The new grade separated junction includes six retaining walls totalling over 3,000m2.

The design uses flint as the finish material on precast retaining wall panels, with intermediate ribbed panels. The bespoke design secured the support of the planning authority and reduced the quantity of stone by more than 30% from the scheme approved at DCO.

The project is being constructed for National Highways by Graham in collaboration with Sweco, Knight Architects and specialist supplier Reinforced Earth Company.