Following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the HS2 high speed rail line from the West Midlands to Manchester will be scrapped, please find below a comment from CILT(UK). Julian Worth FCILT, spokesperson for CILT Strategic Rail Policy Group comments: “CILT is deeply disappointed at the cancellation of HS2 north of
A total of £1.67 million is to be invested to refurbish platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly Station. Network Rail teams will start to overhaul the lounge above the station’s busiest platforms which see up to 40,000 passengers every day. The investment will bring: During the upgrade work the
The first phase of highways improvements along the A6120 Outer Ring Road are already underway, with the second phase of work programmed following a positive response to the consultation. The overall completion of both phases is scheduled for winter 2024. £20m of the work is funded by the Government’s Levelling
Students from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire got an insight into the huge range of jobs on offer at HS2 this week when the high speed rail project opened its doors to local schools and colleges. Almost 200 students from twelve schools and colleges attended the two-day ‘Making Tracks into Construction’
Network Rail has awarded the second of two contracts to build the new railway station for Chelmsford’s Beaulieu development to J Murphy & Sons Ltd. This contract award was possible following a recent agreement between Network Rail and Essex County Council to complete the construction of the new station. The
J Murphy & Sons has been appointed to develop a new railway station for Chelmsford’s Beaulieu development in Essex. It is the second of two contracts awarded by Network Rail. The £124 million contract includes main construction work for the new station on behalf of partners Essex County Council and
Major repairs to a Grade II listed bridge are progressing on schedule according to North of England contractor, Esh Construction, who is delivering the project on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. A 15-week scheme to deliver emergency repair and strengthening works to the structure got underway in July
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is reminding passengers traveling along the railway line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York to plan their journeys ahead of time, as they upgrade tracks over weekends in September and October. Over these two months, engineers working on the multi-billion-pound project will excavate ballast (railway stone)
In the fast-paced world of rail transportation, safety is paramount. The challenges are many, from ensuring on-time departures to maintaining tracks and stations. However, one often overlooked yet significant safety concern in the rail industry is the occurrence of slips, trips, and falls. These seemingly minor incidents can have far-reaching
Spencer Group has appointed a Managing Director for its rail division, experienced and highly respected industry professional Mike Halliday. Mike joins the multi-disciplinary engineering specialist from Network Rail, where he has served as a route delivery director for the last six years. In his new role, he will drive Spencer
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the HS2 high speed rail line from the West Midlands to Manchester will be scrapped, please find below a comment from CILT(UK). Julian Worth FCILT, spokesperson for CILT Strategic Rail Policy Group comments: “CILT is deeply disappointed at the cancellation of HS2 north of Birmingham and the negative consequences this is likely to have for the British economy and environment. The dramatic improvements in connectivity the North and Scotland would have seen cannot be delivered by alternative schemes and their economies will be significantly disadvantaged as a result. The rest of the world is forging ahead with construction of high-speed rail lines as the preferred way of improving infrastructure and decarbonising long-distance transport. It does not seem plausible that the current UK government is right to abandon high speed rail and that everyone else has it wrong. The problem with HS2 is not that it is the wrong project, but that its costs have been allowed to escalate out of control. Some cost inflation was inevitable as a result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, but not to the extent which has occurred on HS2. Other densely populated countries are able to control the cost of major infrastructure projects and, within the UK, HS1 was delivered on time and under budget. A level of cost inflation has come about by changes to specification – particularly compared to the original proposals for a TGV-style line. Subsequent cost inflation suggests that something has gone badly wrong with the management of HS2 and we consider that a key factor was the failure to appoint and retain seasoned professionals, with knowledge of how to specify, tender and control major rail schemes, to senior roles in the project. CILT believes the correct course of action would have been to undertake a comprehensive review of HS2 costs by such seasoned professionals, using best practice from around the world, and considers the opportunity to do so should now be taken. Rather than a “bespoke UK” solution, consideration should be given to using specifications from existing schemes in Europe and beyond. The climate crisis is worsening by the year and the need to decarbonise is becoming greater and more urgent. Net Zero 2050 remains an imperative and Government must not weaken long term commitments for short term expediency. Funding should not be diverted to high carbon road projects simply to satisfy the demands of a vocal minority. This is particularly true with freight and logistics. Almost all large companies now have clear carbon reduction strategies, but decarbonising long distance road freight movements is extremely challenging. Battery HGVs will carry out local and regional distribution, but decarbonising trunk haulage by road is much more difficult and, for this reason, modal shift to rail trunking is an attractive option for many companies. Rather than a significant allocation to road projects, a proportion of any money released from HS2 should be invested in modal shift by increasing capacity at key locations and electrifying missing links in the core rail freight network, 60% of which is already electrified. Wiring 800 miles over the next 20 years at a cost of less than £2bn would allow c.95% of rail freight to be electrically hauled with zero carbon emissions. We welcome the announcement that capacity is to be increased on the vital freight route from Felixstowe to the Midlands and North, with investments at Ely and Haughley Junctions. This route should also be electrified as key strategic investment for freight and logistics, supporting supply chains for businesses in the Midlands and the North. A series of investments in capacity on the West Coast Main Line are also required in lieu of the capacity that would have been released by HS2. These include 4-tracking between Colwich and Stafford plus between Winsford and Warrington. It is essential that a significant proportion of the capacity released by HS2 Phase 1 continues to be earmarked for freight. Providing certainty on such projects would help to encourage private investment in rail-connected logistics centres, which in turn supports the UK’s move to decarbonise transport. This is private investment which may look outside of the UK if there remains uncertainty over when the projects replacing HS2 are due to be delivered.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A total of £1.67 million is to be invested to refurbish platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly Station. Network Rail teams will start to overhaul the lounge above the station’s busiest platforms which see up to 40,000 passengers every day. The investment will bring: During the upgrade work the toilets and seating areas will stay open, but it will see some changes for passengers – including the closure of the existing Costa coffee shop. Kyla Thomas, Network Rail station manager for Manchester Piccadilly, said: “The waiting area above platforms 13 and 14 is crucial to how we manage passengers getting safely on and off their trains, so it’s really important for us to make this investment so we can make it even better for customers. “While trains won’t be disrupted during the work, some of the facilities will be out of action while we build two new retail units and carry out a phased upgrade of the seating area and toilet facilities. I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience while we improve this well-used part of Piccadilly station for the tens of thousands of passengers who use it every day.” The waiting lounge revamp for passengers will begin on October 4 and will be complete in early 2024. It follows the recently completed investment to resurface platforms 13 and 14, paint new safety markings and install tactile studs along their lengths to improve accessibility for people with visual impairments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first phase of highways improvements along the A6120 Outer Ring Road are already underway, with the second phase of work programmed following a positive response to the consultation. The overall completion of both phases is scheduled for winter 2024. £20m of the work is funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with the remaining £3.257m being provided by West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Phase 1 Phase 1 of the work was consulted on in November and December 2021 and is made up of improvements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway, Horsforth roundabout and the creation of a segregated off-highway cycle path. Improvements to Fink Hill, A6120 Broadway and Horsforth roundabout are already underway and due to complete at the end of this year. Construction of the segregated cycle path, from Horsforth roundabout to Rodley roundabout, will begin early next year and is scheduled to complete autumn 2024. Phase 2 Phase 2 was consulted on between July to September 2022, and is made up of an accessible bridge, connecting the communities Calverley and Farsley; an off-highway mixed-use path for walking, wheeling and cycling between Rodley roundabout and Dawsons Corner; traffic light improvements to Rodley roundabout; no right turn safety measures out of the junctions of Calverley Bridge and Calverley Lane; planting and landscaping; and the reduction of speed to 50mph from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge, including enforcement through average speed cameras. The second phase of works are currently in detailed design. Construction of the mixed-use path is scheduled for winter 2023 and the accessible footbridge spring 2024. The accessible ramp to Leeds-Liverpool canal is not possible to deliver due to land ownership constraints. Alternative options for the ramp also cannot be progressed due to impact on existing utilities, and extensive tree removal including the loss of at least two mature oak trees. Instead, alternative upgrades to the existing cycle network link to the canal are being planned to improve access. The speed reduction to 50mph on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A647 Stanningley Bypass, from Horsforth roundabout to Stanningley Bypass at Henconner Lane Bridge will be enforced by average speed cameras, a first for West Yorkshire, and is currently being delivered. Additionally, the existing 40mph speed limit on A647 Bradford Road from Dawsons Corner to Thornbury roundabout shall be enforced by average speed cameras. Road signage to support the new lower speed limit and the calibration of the average speed cameras has commenced and is due to complete next month. Once completed, the cameras will become operational. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: ‘It’s encouraging to see a major scheme developing in the north-west and west areas of Leeds. Phase two proposals were met with a 74% positive public response at consultation and I’m pleased the momentum of delivering this work is being swiftly progressed. Both phases aim to better link local communities, improve active travel options for residents, and make progress towards our carbon-neutral targets. The new speed limit, and enforcement through average speed cameras, will aim to reduce the number of speed-related collisions on these routes, creating a safer road environment for all users whilst aiming to meet our Vision Zero target of zero deaths on Leeds roads by 2040. Together with our construction partners, we will update local residents and businesses affected by any construction work throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Students from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire got an insight into the huge range of jobs on offer at HS2 this week when the high speed rail project opened its doors to local schools and colleges. Almost 200 students from twelve schools and colleges attended the two-day ‘Making Tracks into Construction’ event hosted in Bicester by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall. The young people – aged between 11 and 19 – got the opportunity to meet people working on the project and take part in activities including interactive plant simulators where they could try their skills on an excavator and see how high tech drones are used for survey work. They also got to see some of the vehicles and equipment used on HS2 construction sites, take part in engineering activities as well as learning more about the environmental and community engagement side of Britain’s new high speed railway. The second day was tailored towards young people with special educational needs and disabilities – with lower numbers and a quieter atmosphere to make the visit more accessible. Dr Catherine Pickup, Director of Project Based Learning at Futures Academy in Banbury, said: “Futures’ Year 10 students were eager to attend the EKFB’s Making Tracks into Construction event. The Year 10 students work on employability projects to find out more about what jobs are available and to develop their skills like teamwork and creative problem solving. “One thing we find is that most students are unaware of the wide range of jobs that are available to them. The chance to see so many organisations involved in such a high-profile infrastructure project is very exciting and will open their eyes to the opportunities they have ahead of them. Our hospitality and catering students are very interested in that side of the project too.” More than 29,000 people are currently working on the HS2 project, both directly and across the UK-wide supply chain, and ‘Making Tracks into Construction’ is part of a push to get more local people involved and inspire the next generation of rail engineers. Construction is well under way on the first phase of HS2, between London and the Birmingham which will improve journeys, boost the economy and free up more space on the existing rail network for freight and local services. More than 3,000 people who were previously unemployed have won work on the project, which has also created more than 1,000 apprenticeships so far. Jhen-Nel Swanston, HS2 Ltd’s Legacy Manager said: “At HS2 we are passionate about showcasing the opportunities and roles that a project like this involves. “It was great that so many young people from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire were able to be on site this week, and I hope that events like this will inspire them to consider careers in construction and the rail industry.” Victoria Hingley, EKFB Skills, Employment and Education Coordinator, said: “It’s exciting to have been part of the team organising and hosting this event – young people are the future of the construction and engineering world, so we have a duty to inspire and help them. “HS2 is a legacy project, and I am passionate about to trying to have a positive impact upon the students and schools along the trace of the EKFB works. The event would not have been possible without the support of our supply chain and our site team at Bicester – thank you to all who have given their time and expertise.” The event was held on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd September. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has awarded the second of two contracts to build the new railway station for Chelmsford’s Beaulieu development to J Murphy & Sons Ltd. This contract award was possible following a recent agreement between Network Rail and Essex County Council to complete the construction of the new station. The £124 million contract includes main construction work for the new station on behalf of partners Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council. This phase of the work includes the construction for the new station facility, the associated infrastructure, and progress towards opening to train services for the benefit of passengers. As part of a wider regeneration scheme, the new station has been designed to support the economic development of the Beaulieu area and its construction will include: Beaulieu Park station is currently expected to be completed by end of 2025. Once open, the station will be managed by Greater Anglia and served by its fleet of new trains with services into London. Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “J Murphy and Sons have made an excellent start with the enabling and civils works and this contract award will allow us to seamlessly continue to deliver this amazing new station for Chelmsford without pause. Beaulieu Park station is an excellent example of what the railway industry can do when working in partnership with local organisations to improve the railway for the benefit of communities and businesses by delivering a new station for the Beaulieu community.” Chris Cayton, Managing Director – Transportation, J Murphy & Sons Ltd “We’re very proud to be continuing our long partnership with Network Rail through the construction of Beaulieu Park station, a major enhancement to the transport network in Chelmsford. Significant progress has been made by the Murphy team over the past few months, including modification to the rail systems, groundworks and piling for the station building. “In the coming months residents will see their new station take shape, as the platforms are constructed, and the steelwork is erected, ahead of major commissioning of the railway infrastructure at Christmas.” For more information about the Beaulieu Park station project please visit our project webpage: www.networkrail.co.uk/beaulieu Follow us on Twitter @networkrailANG using the hashtag #BeaulieuParkStation Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
J Murphy & Sons has been appointed to develop a new railway station for Chelmsford’s Beaulieu development in Essex. It is the second of two contracts awarded by Network Rail. The £124 million contract includes main construction work for the new station on behalf of partners Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council. This phase of the work includes the construction for the new station facility, the associated infrastructure, and progress towards opening to train services for the benefit of passengers. As part of a wider regeneration scheme, the new station has been designed to support the economic development of the Beaulieu area and its construction will include: Beaulieu Park station is currently expected to be completed by end of 2025. Once open, the station will be managed by Greater Anglia and served by its fleet of new trains with services into London. Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “J Murphy and Sons have made an excellent start with the enabling and civils works and this contract award will allow us to seamlessly continue to deliver this amazing new station for Chelmsford without pause. “Beaulieu Park station is an excellent example of what the railway industry can do when working in partnership with local organisations to improve the railway for the benefit of communities and businesses by delivering a new station for the Beaulieu community.”
Major repairs to a Grade II listed bridge are progressing on schedule according to North of England contractor, Esh Construction, who is delivering the project on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. A 15-week scheme to deliver emergency repair and strengthening works to the structure got underway in July after the stone bridge, which carries the A163 over the River Derwent, was hit by a car in September 2022, causing significant damage to the headwall and parapet. The first phase of works saw the installation of an encapsulated scaffold which allowed grit blasting, steel girder reinforcement and masonry repairs to the parapets to be carried out safely. At the half way point, masonry repairs which include the use of steel staples to pin the stonework together for additional strength are now complete, and the steel girders have been refurbished. The next critical phase will see specialist vacuum excavation works undertaken to remove the fill from the eastern and western bridge arches, this will allow steel anchors and concrete infill to be installed to further strengthen the structure. Steven Garrigan, divisional director for Esh Construction’s civil engineering division, said: “We are pleased with progress to date and remain on schedule. “We understand the strain the closure of the bridge is having on the local area and as such made a commitment to procure local suppliers and sub-contractors where possible to do so given the specialist nature of some of the trades required. I am delighted to report that more than half of the contract value has been re-invested within 20 miles of the site. “While we have overcame any obstacles so far to allow us to remain on programme, we would like to remind everyone that the risk of uncovering further structural issues still remains high, but we are working collaboratively with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to ensure they are fully informed every step of the way.” Adam Holmes, director of infrastructure and facilities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are pleased with the progress of the repair and strengthening works on this bridge project. “We’d like to thank Esh Construction for being so accommodating with its work schedules to help speed up this work so we could plan for the bridge to be reopened sooner, and for its support of local businesses during this scheme.” Additional work to be delivered in the coming weeks includes the installation of a vehicle restraint system to prevent any future damage of a similar nature, as well as kerbing, ducting, surfacing and road marking. Originally built in 1798 and a Grade II listed structure, all repairs undertaken are sympathetic to the existing bridge and its surroundings. The project is due to complete at the end of October 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is reminding passengers traveling along the railway line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York to plan their journeys ahead of time, as they upgrade tracks over weekends in September and October. Over these two months, engineers working on the multi-billion-pound project will excavate ballast (railway stone) to create a new track beds, replace approximately 650 meters of railway tracks and install new drainage systems. This essential work will enable trains to achieve higher speeds and enhance the overall reliability of services passing through the area in the future, as the number of railway tracks will increase from two to four. While the railway line is temporarily closed to facilitate these upgrades, passengers will continue their journeys through a combination of diversionary routes and rail replacement buses. Gareth Hope, Sponsor for the Transpennine Route Upgrade said “Between September and October, engineers will be working each weekend to upgrade the railway tracks. This work is a crucial component of our broader upgrades, not only allowing for faster train travel but also improving service reliability in the future. We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition during the upgrades, with diversionary routes and rail replacement buses in place to keep customer moving.” “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while the work takes place and remind customers to check www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk or their respective train operators if traveling during this period.” Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said: “These improvement works are key to the overall modernisation of the railway that will be taking place as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will help deliver a faster and more sustainable service for our customers who travel between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. “We’d like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while this work take place. To keep customers on the move, there will be some changes to our services, including diversions on some routes and rail replacement buses on others, and we advise customers to check carefully before travelling. We’ll have extra staff on hand at stations to help customers who are travelling on days affected by this work.” The track upgrades take TRU one step closer to their vision of creating a cleaner, greener, and more reliable railway system. This will bring improved connectivity and travel experiences to passengers traveling across the Pennines. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the fast-paced world of rail transportation, safety is paramount. The challenges are many, from ensuring on-time departures to maintaining tracks and stations. However, one often overlooked yet significant safety concern in the rail industry is the occurrence of slips, trips, and falls. These seemingly minor incidents can have far-reaching consequences for the workforce, the public and the efficiency of rail operations. The Effect of Slips, Trips, and Falls Slips, trips, and falls might sound like everyday occurrences, but within the rail industry, they can trigger a chain reaction of problems. Whether it’s a passenger slipping on a platform, a staff member tripping on uneven flooring, or a contractor falling while maintaining equipment, the consequences can be severe. Human Toll Slips, trips, and falls can lead to injuries ranging from minor sprains to more serious fractures or head injuries. Each incident not only affects the individual involved but also their colleagues, family, and the overall morale of the workforce. Operational Disruptions Even a brief halt in rail operations can have a cascading effect on schedules and customer satisfaction. If a worker or member of the public is injured, investigations and medical attention can disrupt regular activities. Financial Impact In addition to potential compensation costs, slips, trips, and falls can result in legal liabilities, increased insurance premiums, and potential compensation claims. These financial repercussions can strain resources that would be better utilised for other safety improvements. Public Perception Safety incidents reflect poorly on the rail industry’s reputation. A high-profile slip or fall can erode public trust and deter potential passengers from choosing rail as their mode of transport. To address the issue effectively, it’s essential to understand the risk factors that contribute to slips, trips, and falls in the rail environment: How can SOCOTEC UK help? As a leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, SOCOTEC UK is dedicated to enhancing safety across various industries, including rail. Our expertise can make a significant impact on reducing slips, trips, and falls within the rail sector: Slips, trips, and falls might seem minor, but their impact on the rail industry is far from insignificant. By addressing these safety concerns, we can create a safer environment for rail workers and passengers alike. SOCOTEC UK’s commitment to providing tailored solutions and expertise can help the rail industry mitigate risks and maintain its reputation for safety and reliability. Together, we can ensure smooth rail operations while putting safety first. Stay Tuned for Our Annual Rail Environment Forum (REF) Invitation for 2023 Additionally, we invite you to keep an eye out for our upcoming REF invitation for 2023. This forum serves as a platform to exchange insights, share best practices, and collaboratively address safety challenges. At SOCOTEC UK, we believe that continuous learning and collaboration are key to fostering a safer rail industry for all. Attend SOCOTEC’s next Expert Webinar Effluents – Do you consent? – This webinar will focus on trade effluents and will take place on Wednesday 20 September 2023 at 11 am. Jonathan Harries, Technical Manager for SOCOTEC Environmental, will deliver the talk. Click on the link below to sign up via our dedicated webpage. A link to join will be delivered via email on the morning of the webinar. Register your interest Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spencer Group has appointed a Managing Director for its rail division, experienced and highly respected industry professional Mike Halliday. Mike joins the multi-disciplinary engineering specialist from Network Rail, where he has served as a route delivery director for the last six years. In his new role, he will drive Spencer Group’s rail division forward as it delivers transformative projects across the UK. Reflecting on his appointment, Mike said: “I’m delighted to be joining Spencer Group, which has a reputation for innovation and engineering excellence. I’ve spent the last six years with Network Rail, developing supply chain strategy and delivering projects – and will draw on this experience to grow and align Spencer’s rail division. “My focus will be on the upfront development side of the business, and on realising the full potential of its internal design capabilities. I’m committed to ensuring that we truly align with and understand our clients, avoiding change and unnecessary delays in delivery. Mike added: “I’ve spent most of my career as a contractor – but, after joining Network Rail, I gained invaluable client-side experience. Six years later, I’m confident that I understand the organisation’s requirements – and the needs of other rail clients. I began my rail career with Spencer Group and know that meeting these needs is in its DNA. Now, I’m really looking forward to shaping and building our rail offering with the help of my team.” With 27 years of industry experience, qualified engineer Mike is well-equipped to lead Spencer Group’s rail division – a business he first joined in 1996. Over the course of 11 years, he helped to grow it into a Tier 1 contractor and was made a main board director. During this time, Mike drew heavily on the skills he had acquired as an engineer on complex heavy civil engineering projects. Helping to deliver highways and bridges, he also developed a solution-driven style and straight-talking approach. After leaving Spencer Group in 2007, Mike became a private consultant – and was later offered the role of rail director at Story Engineering. By 2015, the business had become a well-established Tier 1 contractor and increased its turnover by 300 per cent. During Mike’s tenure, it was also named Supplier of the Year by Network Rail. He joined Network Rail in 2017, after a stint as infrastructure division lead at Wood Group. Serving as a route delivery director for the UK’s infrastructure owner and manager, Mike was responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of major projects. Commenting on Mike’s appointment, Spencer Group Managing Director Gary Thornton said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to Spencer Group as our Managing Director of rail and to help drive forward our ambitions in the sector. Mike brings with him decades of valuable experience both contractor and client-side working for Network Rail and in his previous experience with Spencer Group. “Mike’s strong engineering background places him ideally to lead our team and build on our already fantastic reputation for project delivery in the rail industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
