The government has thrown its weight behind Heathrow Airport Limited’s proposal for a third runway, paving the way for a £33 billion expansion to create a new “superhub” at the UK’s largest airport. The preferred scheme, put forward by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), includes around £21 billion for the construction of a new north west runway and a further £12 billion for associated terminal and airfield infrastructure. In addition to the expansion plans, HAL has committed to investing a separate £15 billion in modernising and upgrading existing airport facilities. This refurbishment programme is independent of the third runway and is expected to go ahead regardless of the outcome of the planning process for expansion. The decision ends the chances of a rival proposal led by billionaire hotel entrepreneur Surinder Arora, whose alternative vision for Heathrow’s future has been under consideration alongside HAL’s plans. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the government’s choice on Tuesday morning, following what she described as a detailed comparison of the remaining options for growth at Heathrow. “Following a comparative assessment of the remaining proposals for Heathrow expansion, the government’s view is that the north west runway scheme brought forward by Heathrow Airport Limited offers the most credible and deliverable option,” she said. “Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.” Heathrow Airport Limited will now prepare and submit an application for development consent for the north west runway, triggering a formal planning and examination process. In a statement, HAL welcomed the government’s backing. “We welcome the Government’s support for our scheme to build a third runway at Heathrow – the UK’s gateway to growth. Expanding Heathrow will mean more connectivity, increased trade, improved passenger experience and a huge economic boost for the British businesses that will help design and build it. “However, we still need further clarity as to how the crucial next phase of the project will be regulated. We need definitive decisions from the CAA and Government by mid December so that delay to the project can be avoided and we can get on with delivering this vital project for our customers and for the UK.” The chosen scheme will require significant alterations to surrounding infrastructure, including major works to the M25 estimated at around £1.25 billion. These works are expected to involve realignment and tunnelling to accommodate the new runway while maintaining one of the country’s busiest motorways. With the government now formally backing HAL’s plan, attention will turn to the detailed planning process, environmental assessments and regulatory decisions that will determine how and when the third runway can move from policy to construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The team behind East West Rail has revealed a significant rethink of the Oxford–Cambridge route, with a much larger and more ambitious station-building programme now at the heart of the £7bn scheme. More than 80 design changes have been added as the project moves towards its Development Consent Order, reshaping the service pattern, expanding station provision and introducing new access points across the line. The most dramatic shift affects the Marston Vale Line, where nine ageing stations are set to be replaced by four larger, modern facilities. One of these is a completely new station at Stewartby, positioned to support the proposed Universal Studios theme park. The other three consolidated stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington will take the place of nine existing low-use stops, forming a more streamlined and efficient set of interchanges. Key new and updated stations include:• Cambridge East – a new station near Cambridge Airport, now within the project scope and dependent on third-party funding.• Cambourne (EWR) – unchanged in location but now one of five stations serving the wider Cambridge area.• Stewartby (new) – serving Universal Studios’ proposed visitor resort.• Three new consolidated Marston Vale Line stations – replacing nine smaller stops.• Tempsford (new) – with an added southern entrance to support government-backed new town plans, and a fast-tracked East Coast Main Line phase.• Cambridge station – a new eastern entrance with an active travel hub and enhanced walking and cycling connections.• Bletchley station – a proposed eastern entrance improving town-centre and bus interchange access, subject to external funding. Cambridge sees the most substantial expansion, with the new Cambridge East station easing mounting pressure on the city’s busy main station and opening up new growth opportunities. The long-planned eastern entrance at Cambridge station also forms part of the redesign. Bletchley is in line for its own eastern entrance, improving integration with the town centre. In Oxford, adjustments have been made to support the reinstatement of the Cowley Branch Line, which will unlock capacity at Oxford station and allow East West Rail to operate its full timetable. Further east, the planned southern entrance at Tempsford will link directly with the government’s new town proposals, while ministers have instructed East West Rail Company and Network Rail to accelerate the East Coast Main Line phase in response to future development pressures. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the project represents far more than a new railway, describing it as a catalyst for growth, jobs and long-term regional opportunity. She added that modern infrastructure investment would help create a greener and more reliable network for millions of passengers. A further round of consultation is expected in the New Year, ahead of a full DCO submission planned for late spring or early summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

STRABAG UK is delighted to announce that its building business arm has been awarded the contract for the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. Located at the former Radlett Aerodrome site in Hertfordshire, SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett will deliver a state-of-the-art rail freight terminal complete with extensive distribution warehouses and over 600 acres of enhanced green space. The development aims to shift freight transportation from road to rail, significantly reducing carbon emissions and road congestion. Construction is anticipated to take place over the next three years. The scheme also promises numerous community and environmental benefits, including biodiversity net gain, employment and training opportunities, and integrated transport improvements. STRABAG UK’s Build Subdivision Technical Director, Ian Burford, said: “By shifting freight from road to rail, this project will play a major role in cutting carbon emissions and reducing road congestion. We look forward to working closely with SEGRO and other delivery partners to deliver this transformative project, maximising its sustainable legacy. This success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our teams, and we look forward to delivering another landmark project for the UK.” Charles Blake, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO, added: “We’re pleased to be working with STRABAG UK on this vital next phase of SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. STRABAG’s expertise will help deliver key infrastructure that supports the shift from road to rail, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances over 600 acres of green space. This is a major step towards a more sustainable and connected future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

An enormous machine being used to dig HS2’s Birmingham approach tunnels broke through today, marking the completion of major tunnel excavation between London’s Old Oak Common and the West Midlands. The 125-metre-long tunnel boring machine – named Elizabeth after the 19th century philanthropist Elizabeth Cadbury – was launched near the Warwickshire village of Water Orton in March 2024. It arrived at Washwood Heath this morning. Two identical machines were used to dig the 3.5-mile long Bromford tunnel that will carry high speed trains under the M6 and eastern outskirts of the city, with the first one – Mary Ann – breaking through earlier this year. Together, Elizabeth and Mary Ann have excavated more than 1.8 million tonnes of material and installed 5,804 concrete ring segments for the twin, eastbound and westbound tunnels. The spoil – made up of various grades of Mercia Mudstone – is being used to landscape the railway on the approaches to the city. Today’s milestone means that all the excavation is now complete for the 28 miles of deep bore tunnel between Old Oak Common in west London and the railway’s terminus at Birmingham Curzon Street. Construction teams are now mainly focused on internal walkways, ventilation shafts and cross passages. Once complete, HS2 will improve journeys between the UK’s two largest cities while freeing up space on the existing West Coast Main Line for more freight and local services. Although the tunnel milestone marks a significant achievement for the teams in Birmingham, other parts of the railway’s civil engineering are further behind. Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd’s chief executive, is now leading a comprehensive reset of the programme to deliver the railway in the most efficient way possible and for the lowest reasonable cost. Alan Morris, HS2 Ltd’s Construction Delivery Director said: “Today’s breakthrough is a major milestone for the tunnelling team here in Birmingham and for the HS2 project. All eight of the TBMs digging our tunnels between Old Oak Common and Curzon Street have now broken through, which means that the focus is now on the internal concrete work, ventilation shafts and cross passages. “I’m immensely proud of the men and women who have worked round the clock to bring our TBMs and their crews home safely, and I look forward to seeing more progress inside the tunnels in the years ahead.” Each TBM is an underground factory – working 24/7 to excavate, install the concrete ring segments that form the walls and grout them into place as it moves forward at an average speed of around 10 metres per day. Eight TBMs have been used on the project so far, with an incredible 9.4 million tonnes of material excavated during their tunnel drives. The longest tunnel – under the Chilterns – stretches for 10 miles, while the Northolt tunnels run for 8.4 miles from West Ruislip to Old Oak Common in west London. Additionally, there is a short 1-mile twin bore tunnel beneath Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire. Two more TBMs are expected to launch next year to begin digging the tunnels from Old Oak Common to HS2’s final destination, London Euston. A short section of mined tunnel is also being dug between the Victoria Road Crossover Box and Old Oak Common. Alongside these deep tunnels, HS2 is also delivering around 5 miles of shallow ‘cut-and-cover’ tunnels in rural areas such as Burton Green in Warwickshire, Chipping Warden in West Northamptonshire and Wendover in Buckinghamshire. The Bromford tunnel is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) with a team of more than 450 people involved in the complex logistical operation required to keep the TBMs moving around the clock. During their year-and-a-half-long mission, the team on board the 1,600-tonne machines worked at depths of up to 40 metres. They skilfully navigated Elizabeth and Mary-Ann under the M6 motorway, key National Grid infrastructure and the meandering River Tame – which they crossed four times, with a headspace as low as five metres. Meanwhile, separate teams were focused on supplying the concrete ring segments and removing the spoil as well as beginning work on the cross passages and the ventilation shaft at Castle Vale. With the breakthrough complete, Elizabeth will now be removed from the tunnel to allow work to progress on the concrete finishing works, base slabs, and emergency and maintenance walkways. Jules Arlaud, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Tunnelling Director, said: “Today is a historic moment for Balfour Beatty VINCI, as TBM Elizabeth completes her three-and-a-half-mile journey in Washwood Heath. This is BBV’s fourth and final TBM breakthrough, delivered by our expert tunnelling team who’ve worked around the clock over 19 months to arrive at this point. “A sense of achievement and pride is felt by everyone connected with the project and follows years of planning and preparation. This has allowed us to guide Elizabeth safely and successfully underneath complex ground conditions and critical live infrastructure, including energy networks, the M6 and the River Tame. A breakthrough is always a unique moment, and it marks the culmination of exceptional engineering, dedication, and collaboration.” As well as being the arrival point for the two Bromford tunnel TBMs, Washwood Heath will also become the nerve centre for HS2’s operations. Next to the tunnel portal, HS2’s Depot and Network Integrated Control Centre will be built. From this site, trains will be serviced and stored, and the real time operation of the railway will be controlled. Washwood Heath is one of three key HS2 sites in the West Midlands, alongside the two new stations that will be built in Birmingham and Solihull. Collectively, the three sites have become a magnet for property investors and developers, helping to drive multibillion-pound redevelopment projects in the areas nearby, which are forecast to add £10 billion to the region’s economy over the next 10 years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance has been working around the clock to transform the station. The work, which included demolishing the old platforms and building new ones, strengthening Huddersfield viaduct, replacing John William Street bridge, installing new track and upgrading the signalling, will all lead to faster, more reliable journeys for customers and help support local economic growth by connecting Huddersfield more efficiently with Manchester, Leeds and beyond. While the station was closed to services, Team TRU has: James Richardson, Managing Director for TRU said: “Seeing the first train pull into the new platform this morning was a proud moment for everyone involved. People can see from today how this transformation is a key step forward in delivering a modern, future-ready station for Huddersfield, by offering customers more capacity, better services and greater reliability. “While we’re pleased to have achieved this key milestone, we have to extend a sincere thank you to passengers, local residents, community groups and local Huddersfield businesses for their patience and understanding while the station was closed. We know these works cause disruption and we greatly appreciate the support that’s been shown over the last month. “This weekend marked the 200th anniversary of the railway, an invention that changed the lives of millions all over the world. As phase two of the works continues partially out of public view until early 2027, all of us on TRU are proud of the difference we are making across the enterprise, taking the railway well into the future for years to come.” From today (29 September), Huddersfield station will operate with a temporary layout using just three platforms (Platforms 1, 2 and 3) while phase two of the work continues behind new barriers. The changes mean: · Platform 2 (Sheffield services) becomes platform 1 · Platform 1 (Manchester services) becomes platform 2 · Platform 4 (Leeds services) becomes platform 3 The remaining platforms, canopy restoration, track work and signalling enhancements will be undertaken over the next two years, with the station upgrade completed in early 2027. During this phase, some services will run from different platforms, and others may be replaced by rail replacement buses, so customers are urged to check before travelling and allow some extra time. Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome customers back into Huddersfield station and we’d like to thank them and our local communities for their continued patience and understanding while these upgrade works were carried out as part of the once-in-a-lifetime Transpennine Route Upgrade. “The end of the 30-day closure is a major milestone in the history of our iconic station, and I couldn’t be prouder of how we came together as an industry to deliver it. From track engineers to train crew, and from train planning to rail replacement bus coordinators – everyone played a vital role. “While trains are now running through Huddersfield again, there are a number of changes to how the station operates, with fewer platforms available and changes to some of the services. We advise customers to plan ahead and take extra time when travelling.” Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead at Northern, said: “We’d like to thank our customers for bearing with us over the last 30 days while these upgrade works have been carried out. We’d also like to thank all our colleagues from across the industry who’ve come together to keep customers moving during this time. The amount of work that has taken place at Huddersfield Railway Station and the surrounding areas over the last month has been staggering, and that is testament to all the planning that went into this piece of work across the rail industry.“Whilst the next phase of construction at Huddersfield Railway Station takes place, Northern services that normally run into Huddersfield from Bradford Interchange will be unable to do so due to reduced platform capacity, this also affects stopping services from Leeds which will be diverted via Brighouse. Our advice to customers is to plan ahead and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Huddersfield station will reopen on Monday 29 September with three rebuilt and extended platforms under new numbering, marking an important step in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). From this date, only platforms 1, 2 and 3 will be in use, meaning trains will run to and from different platforms than before and some services will be replaced by rail replacement buses. Passengers are advised to check the latest information before travelling and allow extra time when using the station. While the station will be open, phase two of the upgrades will continue behind a sectioned-off area, allowing construction teams to complete the remaining platform, canopy and track work. Once finished in early 2027, Huddersfield station will be able to accommodate longer trains with more seating capacity, delivering more comfortable and reliable journeys. During this stage of the upgrade, some services* will be affected. Stations including Cottingley, Morley, Batley, Ravensthorpe, Brighouse, Halifax, Low Moor and Bradford Interchange will not have direct trains to Huddersfield, and customers may need to change trains as part of their journey. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Extra staff will be on hand at Huddersfield and other key stations to provide advice and assistance. Paul Sumner, Senior Sponsor for TRU, said: “We’re looking forward to reopening Huddersfield station at the end of this month, however, we know customers will notice some changes. This includes trains arriving/departing from different platforms and some temporary service alterations. “We want to thank customers for their patience as we continue this once-in-a-generation investment and would encourage anyone travelling through the area to plan their journey ahead of time.” Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re excited to welcome customers back to Huddersfield station next week and for them to see all the work that has taken place whilst the station was closed. “As we move into phase two of the Huddersfield station upgrade, it will look and operate differently than it did before – with fewer platforms available and some minor changes to TransPennine Express services. “With one week to go before the station reopens, we encourage customers to plan ahead and check if these changes will affect you.” The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion-pound programme transforming rail travel across the North, delivering faster journey times, increased capacity and more reliable services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The transport secretary has signed a development consent order for Gatwick Airport’s £2.2bn expansion, clearing the way to bring the standby northern runway into full operational use. Capacity is expected to rise from around 280,000 flights a year to approximately 389,000 by the late 2030s. The privately financed, “shovel-ready” project pivots on shifting the northern runway’s centreline 12 metres north, enabling dual-runway operations in line with international safety standards. A five-year build will also deliver terminal extensions, a new aircraft pier, an extension to an existing pier, and new flyovers to segregate local and airport road traffic, easing congestion. Further works include new passenger facilities, car parking, offices and hotels. Gatwick submitted its application to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2023; the Inspectorate reported to the secretary of state on 27 November 2024. In February, transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was minded to approve subject to strengthened noise mitigation. Those conditions have now been satisfied and development consent has been granted. The airport is owned 50.01% by French construction group Vinci and 49.99% by Global Infrastructure Partners, the US infrastructure investor. Gatwick says the programme will unlock extra capacity within its existing footprint while supporting long-term regional growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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

Construction will start this winter on improvements designed to make bus journeys into and out of Banbury Cherwell Street more reliable. The project was given the go-ahead at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member decision meeting on Thursday 4 September. Work is expected to finish in summer 2026. The council, together with its contractor M Group Limited, will build bus priority measures and improve traffic signals along Cherwell Street and the area between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions. Pedestrian crossings will also be upgraded to benefit people walking, cycling, and wheeling to bus stops, the town centre, and Banbury Rail Station. Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “Banbury’s Cherwell Street is heavily congested, causing frequent bus delays. These improvements will make bus travel into and out of central Banbury more reliable and so more attractive. “We have used feedback from public engagement to change the design, maintaining the number of lanes through the two junctions, while still prioritising bus movement and improving pedestrian safety with better crossings. “When finished, these improvements will complement future upgrades planned for Banbury, like the eastern strategic cycle lane.” The work involves improving the current George Street bus lane, access for buses into Bridge Street west and the crossing facilities and signalling at the Bridge Street junction. The county council consulted on an early design in spring 2024 and revised it using feedback and transport modelling data. A second consultation took place in spring 2025, with the final design determined after considering further feedback and a road safety audit. Input from local councillors, Stagecoach Bus, business groups and active travel advocates was also taken into account. The Cherwell Street project complements access improvements already underway at Banbury Rail Station and is part of plans to enhance sustainable transport options in the town. This includes the eastern active travel corridor project to upgrade cycling and walking routes from Overthorpe to Bridge Street Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals