With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 driving demand, rail improvement sites across the UK are under pressure to deliver safely, efficiently and without delay. Behind the scenes it’s the logistics, planning and safety solutions that keep everything moving. Here are seven top tips from Paul Goossens, operations director at
Italy has confirmed plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland in Calabria, with completion targeted for 2032. Final approval for the long-discussed Strait of Messina Bridge project has been granted by the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS), marking a decisive
When it comes to transforming your kitchen, you don’t always have to knock down walls or replace every cabinet to get that “wow” factor. Sometimes, the most effective changes are those that combine practicality with eye-catching design. That’s exactly what Premier Range printed glass splashbacks offer — a beautiful, functional,
With major infrastructure projects such as HS2 driving demand, rail improvement sites across the UK are under pressure to deliver safely, efficiently and without delay. Behind the scenes it’s the logistics, planning and safety solutions that keep everything moving. Here are seven top tips from Paul Goossens, operations director at SafeSite Facilities, to ensure a rail improvement project stays on track. 1. Offloading made easy – even on the toughest sites Offloading is one of the biggest challenges on rail projects. That’s why truck-mounted forklifts and crane-equipped vehicles are key to handle the most complex deliveries. Whether it’s a narrow roadside drop or a night-time install, it’s important to coordinate every detail to ensure materials are delivered and installed without delay. Remember it can take a long time to offload from a delivery vehicle. 2. Preventing unauthorised access: people and wildlife Rail sites should be protected with a wide range of fencing which can prevent people and animals from accessing the site. Wildlife fencing can even prevent animals from burrowing into the site and helps to ensure the construction industry protects wildlife. These preventative measures are essential for safety and compliance. There are multiple options, including fencing, concrete and water-filled barriers to consider. 3. CCTV: protecting lives and reputations Modern CCTV systems boast thermal imaging and AI detection, which provide real-time alerts and can trigger public address warnings to prevent accidents. They can monitor site safety which can reduce the risk of accidents and deter young people and trespassers from entering a construction site. 4. Built for high winds and heavy impact Fencing systems with ballast are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high winds, ensuring the site remains secure even in bad weather. Ballast blocks and crash barriers ensure stability and safety, even in exposed or high-traffic areas. 5. Planning and compliance at every stage Every delivery must be backed by detailed documentation to ensure it goes off without a hitch. This includes driver IDs, vehicle MOTs, training certificates and lift plans for cranes which will be used to offload. For projects like HS2, where 24-hour booking systems and strict access routes are expected, this level of planning is essential. 6. Speed and flexibility when it matters most It’s crucial that delivery services can meet urgent site needs, ensuring that materials and equipment are available when required to prevent site closures and work stoppages. Choose operators close to the site which can deliver urgently needed materials within 24 hours. Whether it’s a last-minute request to secure a dangerous area or a planned overnight install, they should be ready to respond, delivering and installing within a single shift so the team can operate safely. 7. Risk assessment and expert advice Before any order is confirmed, a full risk assessment should be completed with advice on the safest and most efficient solution presented. If a delivery or installation is too risky, it’s crucial to communicate this and help find a better alternative. For more information, visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Italy has confirmed plans to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting Sicily to the mainland in Calabria, with completion targeted for 2032. Final approval for the long-discussed Strait of Messina Bridge project has been granted by the Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS), marking a decisive step forward after decades of debate. The project will be delivered by the Eurolink contracting consortium, led by Italian construction giant Webuild, working alongside Japan’s IHI – known for building the Akashi Bridge – and Spain’s Sacyr, which partnered with Webuild on the Panama Canal expansion. Danish engineering consultancy Cowi will lead the design team. The ambitious structure will stretch 3,666 metres, with a central suspended span of 3,300 metres – setting a new world record. Its deck will measure around 60 metres in width, accommodating three vehicle lanes in each direction, two railway tracks, and two service lanes. Capable of handling up to 200 trains a day and 6,000 vehicles an hour, the bridge is expected to transform connectivity between the island and mainland Italy. Steel towers rising to 399 metres will support a suspension system of four massive cables, each 1.26 metres in diameter and 5,320 metres in length. The combined cable weight is estimated at 170,000 tonnes. The deck will clear the water by 72 metres, allowing uninterrupted shipping traffic across a 600-metre width beneath the span. The project is more than just the bridge itself. Plans include over 40 kilometres of new roads and railways, three underground train stations, 10 viaducts, and multiple tunnels. The bridge will link to the Palermo–Catania–Messina rail network and the planned Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed railway. Excavations of 12 million cubic metres of earth in Sicily and 4.5 million in Calabria will help form new infrastructure and restore parts of the Tyrrhenian coastline. The €10.6 billion contract addendum between Eurolink and Stretto di Messina, the concessionary company, will come into effect once the CIPESS approval is published in Italy’s Official Gazette. Webuild chief executive Pietro Salini hailed the decision as a transformative moment for the country. “The bridge will stimulate growth, create jobs and showcase Italian engineering expertise on the global stage,” he said. “It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for young professionals to work on one of the most challenging projects in the world – here at home.” If successful, the Strait of Messina Bridge will stand not only as a feat of engineering but as a powerful symbol of Italy’s ambition and unity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When it comes to transforming your kitchen, you don’t always have to knock down walls or replace every cabinet to get that “wow” factor. Sometimes, the most effective changes are those that combine practicality with eye-catching design. That’s exactly what Premier Range printed glass splashbacks offer — a beautiful, functional, and surprisingly affordable way to refresh your kitchen space. What Are Printed Glass Splashbacks? A splashback’s main job is to protect your walls from the everyday mess of cooking — oil splashes, boiling water, pasta sauce disasters. Traditionally, that job fell to tiles, which worked well but required endless scrubbing of grout lines. Printed glass splashbacks elevate the design to the next level. Made from toughened safety glass, these splashbacks provide a smooth, wipe-clean surface that’s resistant to heat and moisture. But where they shine (literally) is in their design. With advanced printing technology, Premier Range can produce crystal-clear, vibrant images directly onto the glass — turning a purely functional item into a stunning feature for your home. The Premier Range Difference Not all splashbacks are created equal, and Premier Range stands out for several reasons: Endless Design Possibilities One of the most exciting things about printed glass splashbacks is the variety. Whether you want something subtle and calming or bold and dramatic, Premier Range offers options to suit every style: This flexibility means your splashback can either blend seamlessly into your kitchen’s theme or become the star of the show. Easy to Clean, Easy to Love Functionality is just as important as style, and glass has a major advantage over traditional tiled splashbacks: no grout lines. Spills and splashes can be wiped away in seconds, and because the glass surface is non-porous, it won’t stain or absorb odours. For busy households, this low-maintenance factor is a game-changer. You can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your kitchen. The Installation Process Premier Range splashbacks are designed for straightforward installation. Each piece is made to your specific measurements, ensuring a perfect fit. Whether you choose to install it yourself or have a professional do the job, the result is a seamless, polished look that immediately elevates your space. And because the glass is pre-cut to accommodate sockets or switches, there’s no need for messy on-site adjustments. Why Choose a Printed Glass Splashback Over Tiles? If you’re weighing up your options, here’s why many homeowners are making the switch: Adding Value to Your Home A kitchen upgrade doesn’t just make your space more enjoyable — it can also increase your property’s appeal. A professionally installed printed glass splashback adds a modern, high-end look that potential buyers notice. It’s a small investment that can pay off in both style and value. Final Thoughts A Premier Range printed glass splashback is more than just a protective surface — it’s a statement piece, a practical solution, and an easy way to give your kitchen a personality boost. With endless design possibilities, long-lasting quality, and effortless maintenance, it’s one of the most impactful changes you can make without committing to a full kitchen renovation. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist elegance, bold artistry, or personalised creativity, there’s a splashback waiting to transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love coming home to.
