Balfour Beatty VINCI has successfully slid the first part of a major 320-metre-long viaduct into position that will carry high speed trains across the M6 near Birmingham Airport. The first stage of the project – delivered this weekend – saw the ‘East Deck’ of the M6 South viaduct slid 119m
Project will establish Europe’s first advanced uranium fuels production facility to power the next generation of nuclear reactors Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen to design a ground-breaking advanced fuels production facility for Urenco, global suppliers of uranium enrichment services and fuel cycle products for power generation. The
Engineers working on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) have begun preparatory works on Crawshaw Woods Bridge, marking the start of a major renovation of the world’s oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge still in use over an operational line. Built between 1830 and 1834, the Grade II listed structure has stood
Caddick Civil Engineering Ltd has completed a £2 million construction contract has completed at Vesuvius, Worksop facilitating the next phase of development at the 45-acre brownfield site. Delivered on behalf of development and investment company, CEG, the highway infrastructure package included an extension of the existing spine road, construction of
Luton Town Football Club will break ground this summer on a brand-new 25,000-seat stadium at Power Court. The Club’s development arm, 2020 Developments, has entered into a pre-construction services partnership with Limak International, a global infrastructure specialist currently leading the redevelopment of FC Barcelona’s iconic Spotify Camp Nou. Set to
The areas cover three schemes spanning more than 30 miles between Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, and are providing safety benefits for road users. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company working as part of SMP Alliance, has completed the construction of 41 new emergency areas ahead of schedule between junctions 28 and
Civil engineering costs are set to rise by 16 per cent over the next five years to 4Q 2029, driven mainly by increasing labour costs. Over the same period, civil engineering tender prices are expected to increase by 22 per cent according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost
United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by gas distributor Cadent to deliver a critical pipeline diversion in Ulverston, Cumbria. The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. However, due to historical settlement issues and previous leakages, the
A remote Scottish island with fewer than 60 residents is set to benefit from a £45 million investment in harbour infrastructure. Bam Nuttall has secured a £31.5 million contract to carry out key infrastructure works as part of the Fair Isle ferry replacement project. This ambitious initiative, funded by Shetland
New and upgraded infrastructure at Cheshire site will drive regional prosperity and UK energy resilience Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen as programme delivery partner by Urenco to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at its site in Capenhurst, Cheshire. The framework is expected to see contracts awarded to
Balfour Beatty VINCI has successfully slid the first part of a major 320-metre-long viaduct into position that will carry high speed trains across the M6 near Birmingham Airport. The first stage of the project – delivered this weekend – saw the ‘East Deck’ of the M6 South viaduct slid 119m out over a slip road adjacent to the motorway. To reduce disruption for motorists, the viaduct deck is being assembled to one side and slid across the motorway over three weekends, with each part pushed out before later sections are added behind them. This multi-stage process means that the weight of the deck will increase with each push from 1,3000 tonnes this weekend, to 3,290 for the final slide. These subsequent slides will take the deck out over the main M6 carriageway and then finally the M6-M42 link roads. The weight includes pre-cast concrete deck slabs on top of the steel structure. Launching the viaduct with the deck units already in place further reduces the number of closures of the motorway. The East Deck will carry two tracks taking trains towards London while an adjacent ‘West Deck’ will carry a further two tracks for services heading to Birmingham and further north. This will be assembled and slid out next year using the same technique. Russell Luckhurst, the Balfour Beatty VINCI’s engineer leading the delivery of the works, said:“This complex viaduct spanning the M6 motorway and adjoining slip roads is really beginning to take shape, now we’ve successfully moved the first section into place. “It’s a huge achievement for the dedicated project team who’ve worked tirelessly over the past three years to reach this point. We’re now focussed on delivering the next phase, which includes two further launches later in the year.” Liam Kenney, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager said:“It’s great to see the first section of the East Deck in position over the weekend. Once complete, these twin viaducts will carry high speed trains over the M6 helping to improve journeys and free up space on the existing rail network for more freight and local services. “I’d like to thank everyone who is worked so hard to deliver the first slide safely and efficiently opening the road to traffic 11 hours early. The complex operation is being led by Balfour Beatty VINCI, supported by specialist steelwork company Victor Buyck Steel Construction (VBSC). The team are working closely with National Highways and other key local stakeholders including the NEC and Birmingham Airport. Victoria Lazenby, National Highways Regional Director for the Midlands, said:“We know that any work on our roads affects drivers and local communities and always try to keep that disruption to a minimum. So we are delighted by the innovation shown by HS2 and BBV in this complex engineering feat to reduce the impact on road users. “We will continue to work very closely with HS2 to ensure minimum disruption on our roads and are grateful to people for their patience while this major infrastructure scheme is delivered.” The viaduct section was moved using a series of winches, known as strand jacks, at an average speed of twelve metres per hour, sliding across non-stick pads to reduce friction – a material usually found to the surface of a household frying pan. A 36-metre-long temporary launch nose was installed to the front of the structure, to guide the viaduct on its launching path and reduce the weight of the cantilevered section. The viaduct, and the launch nose, will remain in its current position while the next section is assembled. The viaduct is restrained temporarily by equipment located on the piers and the abutments. Each viaduct span is formed of a hollow double-box structure made of weathering steel. This kind of steel boasts a natural protective layer of oxidisation which gives it a characteristic ‘rusty’ appearance and reduces maintenance by eliminating the need for regular repainting. Four pairs of concrete piers support the viaducts with tallest one 9.9m in height. A 4.5m high parapet will be provided on the side facing the Chelmsely Wood to reduce noise and disturbance from passing trains. The structural design has been carried out by Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Design Joint Venture, made up of Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA. Tom Dutton, Senior Design Co-ordinator for the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV, said: “The launch of the first deck of the two-deck M6 Motorway South Viaduct marks an exciting milestone following years of dedicated design work. We have seen the design take shape as the foundations, piers, and abutments were constructed, and now the moment has arrived for the deck to be launched. “The launch design is a fantastic example of collaboration between Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV colleagues in the UK and France, BBV, and their steelwork and launching contractor, Victor Buyck Steel Construction. Together, we have addressed the complex challenges of the temporary works and the fabrication of the steel diaphragm—not to mention the feat of launching the viaduct decks over the M6 motorway itself. “This achievement is a testament to our collective effort and a fantastic milestone for the immediate team and the whole project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Project will establish Europe’s first advanced uranium fuels production facility to power the next generation of nuclear reactors Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen to design a ground-breaking advanced fuels production facility for Urenco, global suppliers of uranium enrichment services and fuel cycle products for power generation. The contract will see Costain’s multi-disciplinary in-house civil nuclear and engineering team carry out the front-end engineering design (FEED) for Europe’s first High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Advanced Fuels Facility. HALEU is uranium that has been enriched to have between 5% and 20% of the fissile isotope, U-235. It’s needed to fuel the next generation of reactor designs, including Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to produce clean, cheap and secure nuclear energy for decades to come. The new facility, to be built at Urenco’s Capenhurst site in Cheshire, will produce the specialist fuel to support the development and deployment of the next generation of nuclear reactors at home and abroad and the associated global export opportunities. Costain is expected to complete the FEED in 2027. The FEED will inform Urenco’s plans for its new advanced fuel enrichment technologies and production facility. Earlier this year Urenco selected Costain as programme delivery partner to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at Urenco Capenhurst over the next three years. Sam White, managing director, natural resources at Costain, commented: “This incredibly exciting project will establish the UK as the first country in Europe to launch a high-tech advanced nuclear fuels programme, confirming its status as a world leader in the civil nuclear energy market. “Ensuring the UK’s supply of advanced nuclear fuel will be critical for powering the next generation of reactors, including AMRs and SMRs. These are nuclear technologies that will play an important role as low-carbon sources of electricity to support a secure, resilient and decarbonised energy system in the UK. “Our expert engineers will work collaboratively with Urenco and the wider supply chain to design a state-of-the-art fuel facility. Constructability will be at the heart of the designs to make this concept a reality.” Costain has extensive experience in delivering FEED studies to solve complex problems, and integrating engineering and constructability across a range of sectors for nuclear and non-nuclear design and build projects. It is currently delivering critical projects across the UK’s nuclear energy ecosystem, providing a range of services and solutions including project delivery, design, build, decommissioning and maintenance of nuclear energy sites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Engineers working on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) have begun preparatory works on Crawshaw Woods Bridge, marking the start of a major renovation of the world’s oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge still in use over an operational line. Built between 1830 and 1834, the Grade II listed structure has stood for nearly two centuries, bearing witness to the reigns of eight monarchs and playing a key role in the region’s industrial and wartime history. It once overlooked steam trains arriving in Leeds at the height of the textile boom and served as a vital access point to the Barnbow Munitions Factory during the First World War. The renovation marks the third in the bridge’s long history, following previous works in 1943 and 1999. This time, the cast-iron girders, deck, parapets, and original railings will be carefully dismantled and transported for off-site restoration. Once refurbished, the structure will be reinstated at a raised height of approximately 1.5 metres to accommodate new overhead line equipment (OLE), paving the way for electric trains as part of the multi-billion-pound TRU project. Adam Sellers, Senior Sponsor for TRU, said: “Crawshaw Woods Bridge’s Grade II listed status, and status as the world’s oldest cast-iron bridge over a live railway, means great care has gone into its renovation, with its removal planned for October this year. “Following our public consultation in 2022, where we took on feedback from the community, we’re excited that preparation work has now started on what will ultimately improve journeys through West Yorkshire and across the Pennines on cleaner, greener services. “The reinstatement of the bridge is expected in spring next year, when a structure that has seen such history will stand firm for the next generation of rail travel.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Civil Engineering Ltd has completed a £2 million construction contract has completed at Vesuvius, Worksop facilitating the next phase of development at the 45-acre brownfield site. Delivered on behalf of development and investment company, CEG, the highway infrastructure package included an extension of the existing spine road, construction of a new roundabout and connections to all utilities. As well as providing access for the local bus service into the site, this will release the remaining sixteen acres of development land ready for businesses to locate here. A deal has already been secured for the first acre of land to Admirals Yard Self Storage which is building a secure storage facility. Antonia Martin Wright, Director of Commercial Development at CEG, explains: “The infrastructure works have opened up access to the next development site, providing serviced, level development-ready plots. “In addition to securing a deal with Admirals Yard Self Storage, we’ve received a number of enquiries. With design and build opportunities available from 10,000 sq. ft upwards and such a shortage of supply in the market we expect to announce further new occupiers this year.” DTRE and FHP have been appointed as agents to market the site. Rob Kos, Associate Partner at DTRE, said: On the back of agreeing a deal with Admirals Self Storage and the new infrastructure works completing, we have seen an uptick in enquires and are having some positive discussions with occupiers and purchasers. This is likely to continue given the lack of open storage and oven ready development plots in the area.” Vesuvius is CEG’s regeneration of a 45-acre brownfield site close to the M1 and A1(M). CEG delivered the original remediation and development platforms, alongside infrastructure including the new access roundabout and roads, working closely with the local authority and D2N2 to enable the development. A 70,000 sq. ft ASDA food store opened in 2020, followed by Travis Perkins and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue’s £3.4m new fire station. CEG speculatively delivered the first phase of 16 light industrial units in summer 2021. These were swiftly let to a range of occupiers including Kitchen Craft, Escape Hot Tubs, Rother Valley Optics, electric vehicle charging specialist Powerpoint and Shark Eye’s research and design centre. There are also three food and beverage units at the site, including Burger King. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luton Town Football Club will break ground this summer on a brand-new 25,000-seat stadium at Power Court. The Club’s development arm, 2020 Developments, has entered into a pre-construction services partnership with Limak International, a global infrastructure specialist currently leading the redevelopment of FC Barcelona’s iconic Spotify Camp Nou. Set to open for the start of the 2028/29 season, the new stadium will become the Club’s permanent home and is central to Luton Town’s long-term ambition of returning to and maintaining a presence in the Premier League. The development aims to significantly enhance the matchday experience for fans while embedding the Club even more deeply within the Luton community. The Luton town stadium is a cornerstone of a broader regeneration vision for central Luton, with the wider Power Court masterplan set to deliver housing, a hotel, and new infrastructure over the next decade. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 permanent jobs, in addition to hundreds of construction roles during the build phase. Limak International, a subsidiary of Turkey-based Limak Holding, is recognised globally for its engineering and infrastructure expertise. Ranked 48th on ENR’s 2024 list of the world’s top international contractors, Limak is currently involved in major global projects including the Spotify Camp Nou, Dubai Metro’s Blue Line, and the NEOM development in Saudi Arabia. The Power Court stadium is also set to become one of the most environmentally sustainable football venues in the UK, thanks to Limak’s track record of incorporating green building practices in high-profile international infrastructure projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The areas cover three schemes spanning more than 30 miles between Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, and are providing safety benefits for road users. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company working as part of SMP Alliance, has completed the construction of 41 new emergency areas ahead of schedule between junctions 28 and 35A of the M1. The emergency areas are on a 32-mile stretch of the motorway between Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. They are part of National Highways’ National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme, a £390m investment plan which, along with technology like stopped vehicle detection, aims to improve safety on the road network. The emergency areas are stationed at regular intervals along the motorway where there isn’t a permanent hard shoulder, offering a safe place for road users to stop in an emergency. Each area is approximately 100 metres long and is clearly marked in orange tarmac and blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol. Costain, as SMP Alliance on-site assembly partner, has now completed the installation of the final 22 emergency areas between junctions 28 and 30, with the spacing between emergency areas reduced by half. The 32-mile stretch of road, which carries more than 200,000 vehicles a day, is now fully open for traffic at the national speed limit and has been completed ahead of schedule, improving regional mobility within Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. Jacky Li, project director at Costain, commented: “It’s a fantastic achievement to have delivered these three schemes, which cover more than 30 miles of one of the UK’s busiest motorways, ahead of schedule. Through a collaborative approach and a like-minded group of delivery and supplier network partners in SMP Alliance, we’ve been able to efficiently and safely deliver all 41 emergency areas for National Highways. “Our work will improve the resilience of the local road network, and the additional emergency areas will increase safety, reduce disruption and improve mobility for road users for many years to come, helping to drive prosperity across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.” The completion of the work follows Costain completing a ten-mile upgrade of the M6 in the North West in December last year, as well as a new nine mile stretch of dual carriageway on the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross in Cornwall. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineering costs are set to rise by 16 per cent over the next five years to 4Q 2029, driven mainly by increasing labour costs. Over the same period, civil engineering tender prices are expected to increase by 22 per cent according to the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “Infrastructure projects, by their nature, require long-term planning and delivery, meaning there are no quick fixes. “However, greater government clarity could help to restore confidence in the sector. “The Lower Thames Crossing, for instance, remains in limbo. Despite being a critical transport project, it has yet to receive final approval, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently saying it will need to be funded by private finance. But securing investment takes time, and no investor will commit without a definitive green light from the government. “If ministers are serious about revitalising infrastructure, decisive action is required. Without firm commitments and project approvals, the industry risks further stagnation at a time when clear direction is urgently needed.” BCIS has formed a Civil Engineering TPI panel to advise on the latest movement in tender prices. Comprised of cost consultants from firms involved in multiple civil engineering tenders in the UK, the panel also provides commentary on conditions affecting pricing levels on civil engineering projects. The panel agreed an average increase of 1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with annual growth at 3 per cent. Dr Crosthwaite said: “Like in other sectors, civil engineering clients are waiting to see what happens with the second phase of the government’s spending review, due in June. Until then, there continues to be uncertainty in the market. “Panellists said that, although there is positive sentiment in the sector, the point at which that is expected to convert to activity keeps moving back. Whereas there was an expectation at the end of last year that output would increase from the beginning of the year, they’re now talking about the latter half of this year at the earliest.” Contractors’ appetite to tender for civil engineering projects was reported as fairly flat with some sub-sectors busy with constrained supply chains. Dr Crosthwaite said: “Water, sewerage and electricity generation spending are expected to kick in later this year, so we’ll see increased pressure in those areas. “Panellists also reported that they are starting to see some price rises feeding through following the announced changes to employers National Insurance contributions.” New work infrastructure output declined by 9.3 per cent in 2024 but is set to return to growth from this year. Output in the sector is forecast to rise by 17 per cent over the next five years. Dr Crosthwaite added: “Future output levels will be bolstered by proposed new work in the energy and water sectors, alongside ongoing work on HS2, Hinkley Point C, and offshore wind developments. In addition, the commitment to build the HS2 link between Old Oak Common and Euston is likely to boost output when construction starts in 2026.” For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by gas distributor Cadent to deliver a critical pipeline diversion in Ulverston, Cumbria. The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. However, due to historical settlement issues and previous leakages, the pipeline must be rerouted away from the canal embankment to a safer location in an adjacent field. ULIS will install an 850-metre diversion using heavy-wall 12-inch steel pipe, running parallel to the existing pipeline but outside the embankment zone. The project also includes the construction of a 75-metre micro-tunnel beneath Ulverston Canal, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area. With the site bordering Morecambe Bay—a designated Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA), and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)—ULIS will work closely with ecologists, scheduling site visits to protect the local environment before any sensitive works begin. Once the new pipeline is fully operational, the existing pipeline will be safely decommissioned, enhancing safety, reliability, and environmental protection for the region’s gas network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A remote Scottish island with fewer than 60 residents is set to benefit from a £45 million investment in harbour infrastructure. Bam Nuttall has secured a £31.5 million contract to carry out key infrastructure works as part of the Fair Isle ferry replacement project. This ambitious initiative, funded by Shetland Islands Council and the UK government, aims to enhance transport links, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the island’s community. The harbour upgrades on Fair Isle will include the construction of a new, wider slipway, an expanded boat noust, and a winch house to accommodate a larger, modern ferry. Meanwhile, on the Shetland mainland, 25 miles away, Grutness Pier will undergo an extension with new tubular piling, and a breakwater will be extended to create a more sheltered berth. Work is set to commence immediately, with Bam Nuttall’s team arriving on Fair Isle this month to begin preparations. The Grutness Pier upgrades are expected to be completed by December 2025, while the Fair Isle works are scheduled for completion in November 2026. Alan Cox, Managing Director of Bam Nuttall, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We are honoured to be entrusted with delivering this crucial ferry infrastructure on Fair Isle – a truly unique location. Our expertise in working in remote coastal environments ensures we can complete this project safely and sustainably, ultimately improving connectivity for both residents and visitors.” Shetland Islands Council leader Emma Macdonald also welcomed the development, saying: “It’s fantastic to see these contracts awarded so that work can begin on providing a new ferry for the Fair Isle community. This ferry is a lifeline for so many aspects of island life, and its replacement will serve the community for generations to come.” Shetland Islands Council has committed £18.6 million towards the project, while the UK government is contributing a grant of £26.8 million towards the total anticipated cost of £45.4 million. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New and upgraded infrastructure at Cheshire site will drive regional prosperity and UK energy resilience Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen as programme delivery partner by Urenco to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at its site in Capenhurst, Cheshire. The framework is expected to see contracts awarded to Costain over a minimum of three years. Costain will lead and deliver an integrated programme of Urenco’s infrastructure investment activities, including developing the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of works and upgrades at Capenhurst. Urenco’s Capenhurst site provides uranium enrichment services to produce fuel for civil nuclear power stations in the UK and around the world to generate low-carbon electricity. The site is undergoing a series of complex work programmes to support the long-term resilience of the site, including establishing Europe’s first High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) advanced fuels facility. Costain will work closely with local supply chain partners and provide strategic direction, integration, assurance and governance of the works. The programme will also deliver social and economic value to local communities, including supporting the creation of jobs and developing skills across the North West of England. Sam White, managing director, natural resources at Costain, commented: “Ensuring the supply of safe, low-carbon electricity is critical for creating a sustainable future. We’re bringing decades of experience in predictable, best-in-class delivery to help safeguard the UK’s energy security and support the transition to more sustainable energy generation. “Costain has a strong presence in the North West and this award reinforces our commitment to improving the lives of local communities through the provision of new jobs, developing skills and driving prosperity.” Costain is delivering a number of critical projects across the UK’s nuclear energy ecosystem, providing a range of services and solutions including project delivery, design, build, decommissioning, and maintenance of nuclear energy sites across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
