Crucial access to Britain's huge new high-tech shipping port had to be provided rapidly and to high standards of durability. Britain's new global shipping port on the north bank of the Thames east of London welcomed its first vessel, the 'MOL Caledon', on 7 November last year, with much rejoicing. Port operator DP World's London Gateway port and logistics hub has been under development for over a decade, across 777ha (three square miles) of brownfield land. Opening of its first berth was a major milestone. Planning considerations meant one key element of civils work was left almost to the last moment, however, with this having to be completed quickly and also with the utmost care. Access to the port and its allied distribution centre required carriageways of asphalt to last a minimum of a decade without maintenance, despite the heaviest of use. The possibility of wheel track deformation was just not an option.
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