Utilities & Infrastructure : Rail & Transport News
Farrans to deliver Paisley to Glasgow Airport link

Farrans to deliver Paisley to Glasgow Airport link

Construction firm Farrans has been appointed to deliver a £59 million transport project linking Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. The major infrastructure scheme, led by Renfrewshire Council, will include a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km gateway route along

Read More »
Italy Gives Green Light to Record-Breaking Strait of Messina Bridge

Italy Gives Green Light to Record-Breaking Strait of Messina Bridge

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

Read More »
Morgan Sindall starts Royal Parade Bus improvement

Morgan Sindall starts Royal Parade Bus improvement

Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on the Royal Parade Bus Improvement Scheme in Plymouth city centre, a major project designed to upgrade public transport infrastructure and improve the pedestrian experience along one of the city’s busiest routes. Commissioned by Plymouth City Council and procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework,

Read More »
Scott Brownrigg designs for Heathrow Airport expansion proposal revealed

Scott Brownrigg designs for Heathrow Airport expansion proposal revealed

Following the Department of Transport’s request for proposals to expand Heathrow Airport, the Arora Group have this week submitted a proposal for a new Terminal 6 building and a 2,800-metre runway. Designed by Scott Brownrigg with delivery partner Bechtel the proposal is referred to as ‘Heathrow West’. The proposal supports

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 332 : Sept 2025

Utilities & Infrastructure : Rail & Transport News

Winvic completes critical improvement works to Orwell Bridge for National Highways

Winvic completes critical improvement works to Orwell Bridge for National Highways

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced the completion of the A14 Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement for National Highways. The £4m scheme being delivered under the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) took place at the A14 westbound carriageway of Orwell Bridge in Ipswich – a critical transport link in the East of England to Felixstowe port. The essential maintenance commenced on 16th June and required the expediated replacement of ageing expansion joints. The works were urgently commissioned to protect the safety of the public, alongside preventing disruption to the main route that is essential for all freight traffic heading to Felixstowe. Winvic, National Highways, engineer WSP, and Chevron Traffic Management, collaborated to create a permanent solution for a 175-day programme which was consolidated to just 37 days as a result of working 24 hours, seven days per week in contraflow to minimise disruption on this busy route. Construction involved undertaking hydro demolition works, alongside working at height across a constrained site of two lanes for traffic and pedestrian access, with approximately 12,000 HGV movements over the bridge every day. National Highways engaged with Suffolk County Council and politicians in order to ensure transport links were not affected by any works and disruption was minimised for road users. The team employed an advanced traffic management system and carried out numerical traffic modelling using validated traffic models from Suffolk County Council, which allowed them to assess the impact of all potential options for road users. Ahead of the works starting, Winvic supported National Highways at The Suffolk Show, where almost 300 people visited over two days to ask questions and learn about the project. Further public engagement sessions were held at other locations across Ipswich. The public were also kept appraised of the work through VMS signage, live journey time updates, targeted briefings, and timely distribution of handouts. Winvic applied lessons learnt from previous SDF schemes to improve efficiency and safety on Orwell Bridge. For example, the adoption of a floor saw to remove Lamella Rails which eliminated the use of hot works, reducing manual handling and delivering an 80% time saving on the works – equating to two weeks saved on the programme. Local suppliers were engaged throughout the project, contributing to the growth of the local economy and reducing environmental impact. As part of Winvic’s commitment to delivering meaningful Social Value and community engagement, the project team visited Morland Primary School in Ipswich to promote safety awareness around construction sites to over 120 pupils. The team also volunteered to support local Ipswich community projects, which included supporting the St. Elizabeth’s Hospice pop-up shop in Ipswich’s Buttermarket Centre, selling merchandise for the Hop-To-It Art Trail – one of the charity’s largest annual fundraising events. Rob Cook, Managing Director for Civils & Infrastructure at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “We have built a strong and trusted partnership with National Highways over many years of collaboration, including our time on the SDF. We’re proud to have successfully delivered the pivotal works to Orwell Bridge, delivering to a consolidated programme, which prioritised public safety while minimising disruption for road users and local businesses.” “The project was a true team effort, with seamless collaboration between National Highways and our supply chain partners. We’re proud of the high standards achieved and the positive contribution the scheme has made to both infrastructure and the local community.” Andy Jobling, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, said: “Working on the momentous Orwell Bridge to replace the expansion joints was always going to be extremely challenging. The great collaboration between partners to share ideas, experience and bring forward methods of working, enabled us to expedite construction and minimise road closures. “These essential maintenance works were developed at pace and successfully delivered to programme due to the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved on the project. This was a huge achievement, undertaking construction as quickly and safely as possible, whilst minimising disruption to motorists and the community.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Winvic moves forward on fourth Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework project

Winvic moves forward on fourth Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework project

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has commenced works on the Carholme Road and A46/A57 roundabout scheme in Lincoln. Marking Winvic’s fourth project awarded under the Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework, Winvic will deliver vital infrastructure improvements valued at £1.9 million. Scheduled to run from July to November 2025, the scheme involves complex civil engineering upgrades to Carholme Road – between Nelson Street and the A57 Saxilby Road – as well as the westbound carriageway of the A46 at Carholme Roundabout, including adjoining side roads. This key transport corridor sits in the heart of Lincoln city centre. Key elements of the upgrades include 9,000m² of resurfacing, along with constructing 800m² of new footway and installing 350 metres of new drainage featuring 37 new gullies. Additional works will involve carriageway realignment, kerb improvements, structural pavement replacement, and the application of new road markings and surface course finishes. The scheme will also address minor kerb maintenance and will be undertaken with full traffic management to ensure safety and minimise disruption. As part of its social value commitments to the region, Winvic will be supporting local employment through new roles on the project, previously on other projects on the framework this has included labourers, groundworkers and traffic management roles. Winvic will also be engaging with local schools in the new academic year to deliver careers workshops and engaging STEM activities highlighting engineering and modern methods of construction. Winvic is furthering its community support through volunteering in the local area and is already looking to partner with Lincolnshire County Council to provide its expertise and time to support local community projects. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure, adds: “We are proud to be continuing our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council on this vital highways scheme. Carholme Road and the A46/A57 roundabout are key components of Lincoln’s Road network, and our experienced teams are committed to delivering these works safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the local community.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Balfour Beatty VINCI completes move of huge HS2 bridge in Birmingham four days ahead of schedule

Balfour Beatty VINCI completes move of huge HS2 bridge in Birmingham four days ahead of schedule

Balfour Beatty VINCI has moved a 112m long, 1,631 tonne steel structure over a section of Lawley Middleway – part of Birmingham’s ring road, four days ahead of schedule. The operation was successfully delivered by Balfour Beatty VINCI and their bridge move contractor Mammoet. To minimise disruption to road users, the huge span was moved during night-time road closures – moving between 18 and 24 metres every night using a special skidding system – ensuring that the road has remained open during the day. From the first day of the move on 15 August, the team – helped by favourable weather conditions, were able to get ahead of programme, meaning the road will be back to normal from 6am on Friday 22 August instead of the planned full reopening on Monday 25 August. Georgios Markakis, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “This is a proud moment for my team, who have worked hard to deliver this impressive feat of engineering. Through careful planning and expert support from our supply chain, we were able to deliver the operation much quicker than planned. “Not only have we successfully delivered a milestone feat of engineering on the HS2 project, we’ve also been able to get the road back to normal early – which is good news for everyone.” HS2’s Head of Delivery for the Curzon Approaches, Greg Sugden said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the team, and the culmination of two years’ work including detailed design, planning, construction and delivery of this highly technical launch operation. “It is the first steel structure to be put in place for the one mile stretch of viaducts on the approach to Birmingham Curzon Street Station – a pivotal part of the high-speed railway now starting to take shape.” “Not only have we successfully delivered a milestone feat of engineering on the HS2 project, we’ve also been able to get the road back to normal early – which is good news for everyone.” Rather than building the bridge in situ, disruption to road users was drastically reduced by constructing the steel span on land next to Digbeth Canal over the last two years. On 15 August 2025, heavy lifting engineering experts Mammoet rotated the bridge 90 degrees using two self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). Over the following four nights, a skidding system – with a jacking push/pull mechanism, was used alongside the SPMTs to move the structure into place across Lawley Middleway. This combination of techniques is rarely used and is a first for Balfour Beatty VINCI on the HS2 project. Lawley Middleway bridge forms part of the railway’s approach to Birmingham, with high-speed trains travelling out of the west portal of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath and onto a one mile stretch of five connected viaducts – Duddeston Junction, Curzon 1, Curzon 2, Lawley Middleway and Curzon 3 which links onto the platforms of Birmingham Curzon Street Station. Now at peak productivity, work will progress on this section of the railway with the second Bromford Tunnel breakthrough, Curzon 2 viaduct move, first Duddeston Junction Viaduct move, reopening of Aston Church Road, demolition of the old Aston Church Road bridge and start of construction of the new Saltley Viaduct – all set to happen over the next 12 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Huge HS2 bridge move completed in Birmingham four days ahead of schedule

Huge HS2 bridge move completed in Birmingham four days ahead of schedule

A specialist HS2 engineering team has moved a 112m long, 1,631 tonne steel structure over a section of Lawley Middleway – part of Birmingham’s ring road, four days ahead of schedule. The operation was successfully delivered by HS2’s main works contractor in the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and their bridge move contractor Mammoet. To minimise disruption to road users, the huge span was moved during night-time road closures – moving between 18 and 24 metres every night using a special skidding system – ensuring that the road has remained open during the day. From the first day of the move on 15 August, the team – helped by favourable weather conditions, were able to get ahead of programme, meaning the road will be back to normal from 6am on Friday 22 August instead of the planned full reopening on Monday 25 August. HS2’s Head of Delivery for the Curzon Approaches, Greg Sugden said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the team, and the culmination of two years’ work including detailed design, planning, construction and delivery of this highly technical launch operation. “It is the first steel structure to be put in place for the one mile stretch of viaducts on the approach to Birmingham Curzon Street Station – a pivotal part of the high-speed railway now starting to take shape.” Georgios Markakis, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “This is a proud moment for my team, who have worked hard to deliver this impressive feat of engineering. Through careful planning and expert support from our supply chain, we were able to deliver the operation much quicker than planned. “Not only have we successfully delivered a milestone feat of engineering on the HS2 project, we’ve also been able to get the road back to normal early – which is good news for everyone.” Rather than building the bridge in situ, disruption to road users was drastically reduced by constructing the steel span on land next to Digbeth Canal over the last two years. On 15 August 2025, heavy lifting engineering experts Mammoet rotated the bridge 90 degrees using two self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). Over the following four nights, a skidding system – with a jacking push/pull mechanism, was used alongside the SPMTs to move the structure into place across Lawley Middleway. This combination of techniques is rarely used and is a first for BBV on the HS2 project. Lawley Middleway bridge forms part of the railway’s approach to Birmingham, with high-speed trains travelling out of the west portal of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath and onto a one mile stretch of five connected viaducts – Duddeston Junction, Curzon 1, Curzon 2, Lawley Middleway and Curzon 3 which links onto the platforms of Birmingham Curzon Street Station. Now at peak productivity, work will progress on this section of the railway with the second Bromford Tunnel breakthrough, Curzon 2 viaduct move, first Duddeston Junction Viaduct move, reopening of Aston Church Road, demolition of the old Aston Church Road bridge and start of construction of the new Saltley Viaduct – all set to happen over the next 12 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Farrans to deliver Paisley to Glasgow Airport link

Farrans to deliver Paisley to Glasgow Airport link

Construction firm Farrans has been appointed to deliver a £59 million transport project linking Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. The major infrastructure scheme, led by Renfrewshire Council, will include a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km gateway route along the White Cart river, and a network of new roads, cycling and walking links connecting the town centre train station and bus interchange to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan. A new road from Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing will also be built, linking into the planned Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. Dedicated active travel routes are included in the design, along with a safe access route from Gallowhill using the former railway underpass, funded by £1.5 million from Transport Scotland. The £59m scheme will be backed by £38.7m from the UK Government’’ Levelling Up Fund, with Renfrewshire Council contributing £18.8m. Construction planning is currently underway, with the project scheduled to be completed and open in 2028. Economic forecasts suggest the project could generate £136m in private sector investment, cut carbon emissions by 21,700 tonnes, and create new employment opportunities by supporting existing and new businesses. Patrick Murray, Scotland’s Regional Director for Farrans, said: “AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire, and we are looking forward to getting work started on site. “Our experienced team has recently completed the highly-successful Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and we have a long history of projects in the transportation sector in Scotland including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven in joint venture as SFN, M80 Stepps to Haggs and the A737 Dalry Bypass in Ayrshire. We are working through the final stages of preparation with our client Renfrewshire Council and will be engaging on the ground with local stakeholders shortly.” Council Leader Iain Nicolson said the project would play a pivotal role in Renfrewshire’s future growth. “AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation. “This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland. “This will be another flagship project for Renfrewshire following the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which included the new Renfrew Bridge, and will be further proof of the Council’s ability to successfully deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects which bring substantial benefits now and for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
£59m Bridge and Gateway Route to Connect Paisley with AMIDS and Glasgow Airport

£59m Bridge and Gateway Route to Connect Paisley with AMIDS and Glasgow Airport

Work is set to begin on a £59 million transport project that will link Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. Renfrewshire Council’s AMIDS South project has secured £38.7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside £18.8 million committed by the Council. The investment will deliver a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km gateway route along the White Cart river, and a network of roads, cycleways and walking links stretching from the town centre’s transport hubs to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan. The scheme also includes a new road connecting Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing, which will serve the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. Dedicated walking and cycling routes are also planned, along with a safe access link from Gallowhill via the underpass on the former railway line, supported by £1.5 million from Transport Scotland. Economic forecasts suggest the project could stimulate an additional £136 million in private sector investment, cut carbon emissions by 21,700 tonnes, and create new job opportunities while enabling existing and future businesses to expand. Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation. “This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland. “This will be another flagship project for Renfrewshire following the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which included the new Renfrew Bridge, and will be further proof of the Council’s ability to successfully deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects which bring substantial benefits now and for generations to come.” The new scheme will complement the recently completed Renfrew Bridge, linking Renfrew with Clydebank, Yoker and the wider Glasgow City Region. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood added: “Backed by over £38 million in Government funding, this flagship project will deliver a major boost for Paisley and for Scotland as a whole. “The new bridge will provide safer, better-connected transport links for local people, businesses and schools, while driving economic growth and creating thousands of new jobs – a key part of our Plan for Change.” Farrans Construction has been appointed to deliver the project, with completion expected in 2028. Patrick Murray, Scotland’s Regional Director for Farrans, said: “AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire, and we are looking forward to getting work started on site. “Our experienced team has recently completed the highly successful Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and we have a long history of projects in the transportation sector in Scotland including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven in joint venture as SFN, M80 Stepps to Haggs and the A737 Dalry Bypass in Ayrshire. We are working through the final stages of preparation with our client Renfrewshire Council and will be engaging on the ground with local stakeholders shortly.” AMIDS South forms the next phase of Renfrewshire Council’s capital investment programme, which has already delivered the award-winning refurbishment of Paisley Town Hall, the renovation of Paisley Arts Centre, creation of the Learning and Cultural Hub, and the near-complete transformation of Paisley Museum. The Council has also committed major long-term investments in Renfrewshire’s roads, pathways and schools, including a ten-year, £90 million programme for roads and up to £170 million for new education facilities. For more information on the AMIDS South project, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/AMIDS-South. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
A Bridge to the Future: Aecom Unveils Striking Alperton Canal Crossing

A Bridge to the Future: Aecom Unveils Striking Alperton Canal Crossing

Aecom has revealed its vision for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Alperton, northwest London, as part of a £5 million regeneration project designed to improve connectivity and promote active travel. The bridge will span the Grand Union Canal, linking residents of the Grand Union development to the towpath on the southwestern side, the Abbey Estate, and the Park Royal employment hub. Brent Council has now launched a public consultation on the proposals, inviting feedback from the community. The design features a sweeping, curved structure supported by slender steel columns that echo the vertical lines of surrounding tree trunks, allowing the bridge to sit harmoniously within its natural environment. The four-metre-wide deck will be framed by steel girders and lined with 1.5-metre-high repeating steel fins, providing both safety and visual rhythm. Constructed from low-maintenance weathering steel, the bridge will develop a warm, rust-coloured patina over time, paying homage to the site’s industrial heritage. Its ‘half-through’ deck design offers structural efficiency with a reduced depth, shortening ramp lengths to enhance accessibility and lessen environmental impact. “We wanted to create a bridge that reflects its unique location and integrates seamlessly with the landscape,” explained Erik Behrens, Aecom’s architecture director. “It will provide a sculptural, natural journey with views across the canal and into the tree canopy. The raw finish of the weathering steel adds authenticity, connecting the area’s industrial past with a modern, dynamic structure.” Project manager Jack Summerhayes highlighted the technical and environmental considerations behind the scheme. “The half-through deck allows for a shallower profile and shorter ramps, improving accessibility while minimising disruption to habitats. Designing in such a constrained and sensitive site requires innovative thinking, and our integrated team is bringing together expertise in engineering, architecture, landscape and ecology to ensure the bridge is functional, durable, and environmentally responsive.” To minimise construction impact, all major components—excluding the foundations—will be fabricated offsite and lifted into place, reducing disruption to canal operations and the surrounding area. The scheme is being delivered through Perfect Circle, a collaboration between Aecom, Pick Everard and Gleeds, via the Scape consultancy framework. If approved, the bridge will not only provide a vital new route for walkers and cyclists but also stand as a striking architectural addition to the area, embodying both sustainability and design excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Italy Gives Green Light to Record-Breaking Strait of Messina Bridge

Italy Gives Green Light to Record-Breaking Strait of Messina Bridge

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

Read More »
Morgan Sindall starts Royal Parade Bus improvement

Morgan Sindall starts Royal Parade Bus improvement

Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on the Royal Parade Bus Improvement Scheme in Plymouth city centre, a major project designed to upgrade public transport infrastructure and improve the pedestrian experience along one of the city’s busiest routes. Commissioned by Plymouth City Council and procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework, the scheme will run until spring 2026. It will deliver a series of upgrades to Royal Parade, enhancing accessibility while maintaining access for businesses and residents throughout the works. The contract follows Morgan Sindall’s successful delivery of city centre projects at Old Town Street, New George Street, and Armada Way. Key features of the scheme include kerb realignment on the north side of Royal Parade, full carriageway resurfacing, and strengthening of the footway. High-quality modular granite paving will be installed in a consistent civic pattern to create a more attractive public realm. Public transport efficiency and safety will be improved with reconfigured bus bays in a new sawtooth layout, the addition of average speed cameras, and updated road markings and signage. The pedestrian crossing at Armada Way will also be upgraded to a toucan, improving connectivity for cyclists along this busy corridor. To minimise disruption, Morgan Sindall will use pre-cast concrete slabs and ramps to shop doorways, helping local businesses remain open during the works. The company will also offer work placements, work experience opportunities, and work taster days to support local skills development. Graham Kingdon, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the South West, said: “Royal Parade is a central part of Plymouth’s civic and commercial identity, and this scheme will make it safer, more accessible, and better suited to modern public transport needs. “Drawing on our experience delivering similar improvements, we’re using tried-and-tested methods to keep disruption to a minimum – helping shops stay open and the city stay connected while work progresses. “We’re proud to play a part in creating a more vibrant, sustainable city centre and look forward to delivering lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Scott Brownrigg designs for Heathrow Airport expansion proposal revealed

Scott Brownrigg designs for Heathrow Airport expansion proposal revealed

Following the Department of Transport’s request for proposals to expand Heathrow Airport, the Arora Group have this week submitted a proposal for a new Terminal 6 building and a 2,800-metre runway. Designed by Scott Brownrigg with delivery partner Bechtel the proposal is referred to as ‘Heathrow West’. The proposal supports the economic growth ambition set out by His Majesty’s Government, with a focus on achieving better performance and lower charges for airlines and passengers, making Heathrow more competitive globally. Heathrow West offers robust and deliverable solutions for this site; minimising the land required to help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the build, whilst achieving the required hub capacity. Crucially, the shortened runway will avoid the additional cost and disruption associated with crossing the M25 motorway. The design proposals capitalise on Scott Brownrigg’s long-standing history and wealth of experience in designing and delivering significant airports across the globe, which stretch back to the BOAC Terminal at JFK Airport in New York in 1963 and Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 for the British Airports Authority which opened in 1986, to the more recent award-winning Istanbul Airport in Turkey. The practice is currently involved with airports across Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East, including the ongoing expansion of the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia. Inherently flexible, the campus will be able to flourish and adapt to changing passenger expectations over time. A 300-meter-long bridge will connect the new terminal to a satellite pier, offering a unique passenger experience as it traverses above a live taxiway below. Proposals also create the potential for an integrated public transport hub and interchange which incorporates a railway station, hotels and below ground parking, providing safe and convenient access to the terminal by car, bus, taxi, bike or train. Designs for Heathrow West will target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating for the construction and operational phases of the project. Close collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Environmental Agency, will ensure proposals respect the needs of the environment, enhance local amenity and leave a positive social legacy. Recognising the importance of resilience and affordability in Heathrow’s expansion, an efficient construction programme will enable the scheme to be delivered within just 10 years and with most of the activity contained within the airport boundary. Darren Comber, CEO of Scott Brownrigg, said: “We have been working with the Arora Group for over 8 years on the design of an alternative proposal for the Heathrow airport expansion and I am delighted that Arora have now submitted them to the Government for consideration. Our designs fully support Arora’s determination to provide a more cost-effective solution that will benefit Britain” Heathrow West is an opportunity to deliver on the UK Government’s ambition to unlock economic growth and to offer consumers greater choice, with significantly improved levels of efficiency, service and resilience for both airlines and passengers. If given the go-ahead, the new runway could be operational by 2035, and the first phase of the new Terminal 6 could be complete and open as early as 2036. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »