Little Westgate
Airport Services, Civil Engineering, Design & Build
Little Westgate Security Checkpoint Road Widening & Enhanced Security Measures
R&M successfully delivered a complex infrastructure and security enhancement project at the Little Westgate Security Checkpoint within the World Freight Terminal at Manchester Airport. Delivered under a Design & Build contract for MAG, R&M undertook the roles of both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, managing all phases of the works while ensuring the airport’s operations remained fully functional throughout the project.
- Location World Freight Terminal, Manchester Airport
- Completion Date April 2026
- Services Provided Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Works, Security Enhancements & Traffic Management
- Project Duration 6 months
Project Overview
Enhancing Airport Security Access
The scheme focused on widening and reconstructing the existing security checkpoint layout to improve vehicle flow, strengthen site security, and support the operational demands of one of the airport’s key access points. Works were carried out within a live operational environment, requiring carefully phased traffic and pedestrian management to maintain continuous vehicle and pedestrian access at all times.
Scope of works
The project included extensive civil engineering, infrastructure, and security improvement works, including:
- Traffic and pedestrian management throughout all phases of the works
- Excavation and drainage installation
- Ducting and underground infrastructure works
- Reconstruction of the existing road layout
- Creation of an additional vehicle lane into the security checkpoint
- Alterations to internal road layouts within the security area
- Installation of new kerbing, footpaths, traffic islands, and road markings
- Enhanced perimeter and access security upgrades
- Installation of new fencing, turnstiles, gates, and vehicle barriers
- Electrical, communication, and access control integrations
Delivering Within a Live Airport Environment
One of the most significant challenges of the project was carrying out the works within a highly sensitive and operational airport security environment. The Little Westgate checkpoint provides controlled access to the western maintenance area, the main Westgate airside access, and the private aircraft terminal.
Due to the critical nature of the location, all works had to be carefully planned and delivered while keeping the facility fully operational at all times. This required close coordination, phased construction planning, and strict health, safety, and security management throughout the duration of the project.
