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

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

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

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

After decades of debate, Heathrow Airport has submitted its detailed expansion proposal to the government, aiming to deliver a fully operational third runway by 2035. The idea of adding a third runway to the UK’s busiest airport has been a recurring political battleground since the early 2000s. The Labour government’s 2003 white paper, The Future of Air Transport, first backed the project, but since then it has been repeatedly approved, paused and revived. Former London mayor Boris Johnson famously vowed to block it, while current Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are openly supportive. London’s present mayor, Sadiq Khan, remains firmly opposed. Unlike HS2, which critics say was rushed into construction, Heathrow’s long delay has allowed for extensive planning. The government invited expansion proposals last winter, and Heathrow has now tabled a £48 billion vision. Key features include moving part of the M25 under the new runway and introducing major upgrades across the airport. Heathrow says it can build the third runway for £21 billion within 10 years, provided the government delivers the necessary policy changes and regulatory framework. The submitted blueprint outlines:• A north-western runway stretching up to 3,500 metres• Capacity for up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually• A new ‘T5X’ terminal, expanded Terminal 2 facilities, and three satellite terminals The investment plan breaks down as follows:• £21 billion for the runway and airfield infrastructure (up from £14 billion in 2018 due to inflation)• £12 billion for the new T5X terminal and additional stands• £15 billion for upgrading existing terminals, including expanding Terminal 2 and eventually replacing Terminal 3 According to Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye, expansion is critical to the UK’s trade and connectivity. He said: “It has never been more important to expand Heathrow. We are operating at capacity, which is holding the country back. With government approval and a suitable regulatory model, we can begin work this year, driving investment and jobs across the UK.” If policy changes are agreed, Heathrow plans to begin public consultation next year, aiming to submit its formal planning application in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has been appointed to Transport for Greater Manchester’s recently announced £120m four-year professional services framework, as the city region delivers the next phase of its transport infrastructure programme. This includes the Bee Network, Metrolink, active travel (walking and cycling), and bus stops and stations across the city region. Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Professional Services Framework, which comprises sixteen specialist lots, will fulfil the advisory requirement of the city region’s ambitious 2040 transport strategy. It will also ultimately help Greater Manchester to deliver the UK’s first fully integrated, zero-emission public transport network by 2030, following significant government funding. LSH has been appointed to a new Lot that covers Estates advisory. Estates advisory services that LSH will provide include strategic advice, valuation, lease advisory, rating, planning, land assembly, disposals, and development consultancy, in order to support the delivery of TfGM infrastructure projects within the city region. LSH’s appointment builds on the firm’s long history of working in the transport sector including transport projects in and around Manchester and the north of England. LSH clients include HS2, Northern Trains, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, Network Rail and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Paul Shuker, Director (Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure) at LSH, said: “Manchester is now widely recognised as one of the UK’s – and Europe’s – success stories when it comes to leveraging infrastructure – not only to accelerate growth, but also to unlock the city region’s potential, create new jobs and better connect our communities. “The latest pipeline of projects is set to bring even farther-reaching benefits – by making travel easier and more affordable; facilitating new Metrolink lines to key settlements; and supporting the delivery of new homes and employment areas. “We at LSH – and our specialist multi-disciplinary land, infrastructure, planning and regeneration teams – look forward to working with TfGM and other stakeholders. We are committed to supporting Greater Manchester’s 2040 vision to create a world class public transport system and deliver the Bee Network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Rail enthusiasts heading to Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering event in Derby this weekend (1-3 August) will have the opportunity to see the concept designs for HS2’s Class 895 trains. HS2 is joining forces with rail industry representatives to take part in what is believed to be ‘The Greatest Gathering’ of historic and modern trains and rail-related exhibits. The event will take place at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works, which will open its doors to the general public for the first time in almost 50 years. As part of the rail exhibition, focused on the future, visitors will be given the opportunity to book an exclusive tour of a life-size model carriage, which has been fitted out to illustrate the concept design for HS2’s Class 895 train. The show and tell opportunity showcases the ongoing intensive work between HS2 Ltd, the future high speed rail operator West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), and the joint venture company building the fleet of high-speed trains, Hitachi-Alstom High Speed. James Dawson, HS2 Ltd’s senior rolling stock engineer said: “We’ve dedicated time and energy into understanding what matters most to people when they travel by train, and by listening and acting on feedback we can be confident that our interior designs will meet and exceed passengers’ needs. “These trains will run across Britain on high-speed and conventional lines for decades to come, so it’s important we get the fundamental design right, not just for today but also for the future.” The public has played a major role in shaping the initial design concepts. Twenty dedicated user groups and a consumer focus group of over 500 people have helped to inform the passenger experience programme of work led by WCPD. This is understood to be the most extensive user development exercise ever for a new train fleet built in the UK. New design features will help to ensure the train will be accessible and inclusive for all. Step free access at new HS2 stations, reprofiled grab handles, audio announcements and visual display screens in the toilet cubicles are just some of the positive changes being made. Customers travelling with mobility aids will also have greater freedom to select their seat and wheelchair users can expect equal provisions as found at all other seating on the train. Rigorous user testing has helped to define the design requirements to ensure the onboard facilities meet the needs of those travelling for work, leisure, as a solo passenger, or with friends and family.  The design features include: HS2 Ltd awarded the contracts to build Britain’s next generation of high-speed trains to the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed joint venture in 2021. The contracts, worth around £2bn, will provide a major boost to the UK’s rail manufacturing and supply chain sectors. The fleet of trains will be designed and built at three key UK sites – Derby, County Durham and Crewe. It is estimated that this will spearhead the creation of around 2,500 jobs in the Midlands and the North – including new apprenticeships. The trains will be maintained at the new HS2 depot in Washwood Heath, Birmingham. The bogies will be manufactured in Crewe, the bodyshell welding and electrical installation will be completed in County Durham, and the interior fit out will be completed at the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed joint venture facility in Derby. James Grundy, Project Director for Hitachi-Alstom High Speed, said: “As we progress towards delivering the next generation of high-speed trains for HS2, the feedback from passengers has been invaluable. Their insights have helped us develop and refine the design concept, to ensure that our trains not only meet but exceed expectations for accessibility, comfort and convenience. Engaging with a diverse range of future passengers, including those who may not typically consider train travel, has been crucial in shaping the features that will make a real difference to their experience. “Hitachi-Alstom High Speed is committed to putting passengers at the heart of every decision. Working with our stakeholders and closely with the public, we are confident that we’re creating a fleet of trains that will set a new standard for intercity travel in the UK. When HS2 is operational, this collaborative approach will underpin a transformative and stress-free journey for a wide range of people.” The all-electric trains will be designed to operate on both the HS2 network and the existing rail network – enabling HS2 trains to travel north towards Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow in the future. Capable of speeds of up to 225mph (360km/h), they will be amongst the quickest, quietest, and most energy efficient high-speed trains operating anywhere in the world. Detailed design works are continuing ahead of manufacturing of the exterior bodies. HS2 Ltd’s Chief Executive, Mark Wild, is leading a comprehensive reset of the HS2 project to ensure the railway can be delivered efficiently and to the lowest reasonable cost – timescales may therefore be subject to change. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

New figures released today by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover. Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades could help ‘boost’ the area’s economic growth. Advanced Manufacturing and Retail are the dominant sectors, accounting for the largest shares of employment and economic output. This sector alone contributes over £1.6 billion in turnover and employs more than 10,000 people, highlighting the area’s role as a hub for manufacturing and supply chain activity. Retail also plays a major role, contributing nearly £6.7 billion in turnover and supporting 16,900 jobs, showing how the corridor also serves regional consumer markets. The concentration of logistics and business services shows the importance of fast, reliable links to the wider motorway network. This concentration of industry and retail sector hubs underscores the need for reliable connectivity to sustain business operations, freight logistics, and access to skilled labour. Data released today in May showed that by 2035, due to the economic success of the area, there could be 81,830 extra trips a week using Junction 28, even though the junction is at 107% capacity in the morning rush hour.  Midlands Connect, Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said: “With over 43,000 jobs and £10.5 billion turnover concentrated within just 3 miles, junction 28 enables national and international connectivity for key industries. “Investment to address congestion, improve journey reliability, and unlock capacity will support manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and enable planned growth in housing and employment in the region.” Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet, the Parliamentary Champion for Junction 28, said: “These figures show how critical making improvements at junction 28 is for employment and the economy. “People in Bolsover and beyond need to be able to travel to and from their jobs in this area without sitting in congestion and businesses need to get goods in and out of their sites without unnecessary delays. “I will continue to push for the improvements that we need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals