Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to create a bespoke access system to inspect the stay cables on a new Canadian bridge. The Pattullo Bridge, which crosses the Fraser River near Vancouver, British Columbia, is a key connection between the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster. The Pattullo
Best-in class projects receive industry acclaim Last Friday saw the announcement of the outstanding companies and projects within the highways, transportation infrastructure and services industry that have been successful at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) prestigious Annual Awards held on the 15 June at the Hilton London
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has commenced its first project under the Lincolnshire County Council highways framework contract; the General Works’ Lot contract is to deliver new infrastructure assets as well as infrastructure improvements
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents
Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey has set out Greater Manchester’s intention to eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the city-region’s roads through ‘Vision Zero’. In 2021, 858 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions on Greater Manchester’s roads. Vision Zero is the next step in Greater Manchester’s mission
Aggregate Industries has been chosen to deliver a five-year £47m road repair and maintenance contract across 3,000 miles of highways in Leicester and Leicestershire. The leading construction materials supplier, which has its group headquarters at Coalville in Leicestershire, was successful in the joint tender bid for carriageway patching, including pothole
The Government has been given the go ahead for a new railway station to be built in Cambridge. Work has already begun on the 4-platform, fully accessible station based at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south of the city. The Government has earmarked £200 million worth of funding for the
Heritage bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been praised for its work to completely refurbish and rebuild one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges. Spencer Group has completed a programme of essential works to preserve Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland, which is more than 200 years old. The
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is reminding passengers travelling along the rail line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York to plan their journeys ahead of time, as nine days of major upgrades are due to take place from 17-25 June 2023 at Morley station. Over nine days, engineers working on the
Signify, the world leader in lighting, has equipped Dublin Port Tunnel in Ireland, an iconic infrastructure spanning 9km, with energy-efficient LED lighting for all its 1800 light points in the tunnel. The upgraded lighting has achieved up to 60% reduction in electricity use (based on 2022 rates), or the equivalent
Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to create a bespoke access system to inspect the stay cables on a new Canadian bridge. The Pattullo Bridge, which crosses the Fraser River near Vancouver, British Columbia, is a key connection between the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster. The Pattullo Bridge replacement will provide major improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians when it opens in 2024. Opened in 1937, the existing bridge does not meet modern design standards and a new bridge is needed to maintain this critical link between the two communities. Working on behalf of Fraser Crossing Constructors GP, Hull-based Spencer Group is designing, manufacturing, testing and commissioning a semi-permanent access system to enable maintenance engineers to inspect all elements of the bridge’s stay cables. The cradle element, which transports personnel to the desired inspection location, operates similarly to a cable car, moving up and down a track rope on the four lane, toll-free bridge. The cradle will be electrically hoisted up and down the main track rope and will vertically move up and down to enable personnel to inspect the stay cable wires throughout the lifespan of the bridge. Gordon Neilson, Principal Engineer at Spencer Group and a leading industry expert in bridge gantry design, is behind the design for the Pattullo Bridge cable fan access system. The design stage of the access system project is already underway and is set to be complete by early May. Manufacturing and testing will take place in the UK before the whole access system is shipped to Canada for installation. Fraser Crossing Constructors GP will be designing the bridge to interface with the stay cable access system, before it is tested and commissioned by Spencer Group. Steven Bunting, Project Director at Spencer Group, who is leading the project and coordinating the various stages of the design and build, said: “We’re delighted to be able to draw on our industry-leading expertise to complete this project, supporting Fraser Crossing Constructors GP. “We’re also really pleased that our excellent track record of addressing unique challenges in the bridges sector and our engineering skills are being recognised and called upon internationally. “Our unique design on this project will be transferable to other cable stay bridges all over the world. It addresses challenges faced with the need to carry out tactile inspections of cables from a dedicated work platform, at difficult to reach locations at significant elevations.” The new bridge will provide a safer crossing for bridge users with modern, wider lanes, separated by a centre barrier, dedicated walking and cycling lanes separated from traffic by a barrier on both sides of the bridge, and better connections to, from and near the bridge. The existing bridge will remain in use until the new bridge is open to traffic in 2024. Once the Pattullo Bridge replacement is open, the existing bridge will be removed. Spencer Group has carried out maintenance and repair works on some of the UK’s most iconic bridges, including major refurbishment work on the Menai Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and mainland North Wales, ahead of the structure’s 200th anniversary year in 2026. Locally, the company is carrying out major restoration work on the historic Corporation Road Bridge in Grimsby. The full refurbishment will include key structural works, as well as aesthetic improvements, preserving the bridge’s heritage status and protecting the landmark for years to come. For more information about the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, visit www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Best-in class projects receive industry acclaim Last Friday saw the announcement of the outstanding companies and projects within the highways, transportation infrastructure and services industry that have been successful at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) prestigious Annual Awards held on the 15 June at the Hilton London Bankside. Neil Johnstone, CIHT President said: “This has been a truly fantastic year for the CIHT Awards, and we have received over 200 high quality submissions from across the UK and beyond, showcasing a wide variety of initiatives, projects and innovations.” “These awards demonstrate best practice and celebrate the high calibre schemes, innovative products, and ways of working which are taking place across the industry.” The award winners for 2023 are now available and details can be found below. CIHT Professionalism Award Awarded to an individual that maintains and develops professional ethical expertise and deliver a safe and effective service for all. CIHT Sustainability Award Recognising projects, schemes, products, or strategies that can demonstrate a contribution to sustainable development. CIHT & Kier Streets Award Recognising how outstanding design and implementation of schemes in our towns and cities improve the places around them and create places for people. CIHT Research Initiative of the Year Recognising an outstanding piece of research in the highways and transportation sector. CIHT & Ringway Decarbonisation Award Recognising projects, schemes and strategies that demonstrate the delivery of a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. CIHT Technology and Innovation Award Recognising innovation, this could be in terms of new technology, products, processes, and services that have impacted an organisation, industry and society positively. CIHT & Stantec Infrastructure Award Recognises exceptional engineering solutions that have delivered creative and resilient infrastructure. CIHT & WSP EDI Initiative of the Year Award Recognises employers or individuals that have implemented (or been involved in) an EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) initiative of merit. CIHT Collaboration Award Recognises those that have shown dedication to working in collaboration with other teams, organisations and/or sectors to deliver real solutions. CIHT Road Safety Award The Road Safety Award, in memory of John Smart, recognises outstanding achievements which improve road user safety through excellent practice, design and technical application. CIHT Team of the Year Award Celebrates the achievements of teams who have demonstrated professionalism and have been able to adapt and work effectively under the challenges posed in the Highways and Transportation sector. CIHT Overall Winner Award All shortlisted awards are entered into this category and judges are looking for the entry that most closely aligns with the CIHT values of being (Professional, Inclusive, Collaborative and Progressive). The CIHT Awards were kindly sponsored by Kier, Ringway, Stantec and WSP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has commenced its first project under the Lincolnshire County Council highways framework contract; the General Works’ Lot contract is to deliver new infrastructure assets as well as infrastructure improvements across the county over 4 years. The works to Marsh Lane roundabout on the A16 and works to improve active travel links in Boston near Wyberton Low Road are the first set of Lincolnshire ‘Levelling Up’ road improvements to be carried out. The Marsh Lane roundabout improvements and Boston Active Travel are expected to cost a total of £5.7 million. Winvic commenced construction on 16 May and the scheme is expected to be complete within six months. The major improvements to Marsh Lane roundabout will reduce congestion on the A16, improve safety and future-proof the roundabout for future A16 upgrades down the line. 3,070 m2 of carriageway on the approaches to the existing roundabout on the A16 will be widened to two lanes, as will the roundabout. The alignment of the roundabout will be moved to facilitate its widening from 21.5m diameter to 27m. 410m of new drainage will be installed as part of the roundabout upgrade. Mass traffic signals infrastructure works will be undertaken to the crossroad junction with 4,025m2 of carriageway treatment works. The works also include the creation of a three-quarter mile active travel route in Boston, addressing the conflict between cycle users and HGVs on Marsh Lane through the Riverside Industrial Estate. The pavements will be widened and a new cycle lane will be installed. The two-lane carriageway will be reduced to one with traffic management on the A16 for up to 10 weeks. Later in the project, temporary traffic signals and a series of night-time road closures will be used. Rob Cook, Director of Civils and Infrastructure at Winvic, said: “We have been extremely busy behind the scenes since we were awarded the highways framework contract by Lincolnshire County Council last year, ensuring we were fully prepared in advance of being awarded our first scheme. Nearby communities, businesses and road users will be our priority, as well as keeping people safe. Our continued one-team working with the Council will help to ensure the programme is delivered swiftly and safely with as little disruption as possible.” Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said “As with any major road improvement project, some disruption on local roads is inevitable when work is underway. However, we’ll be making all efforts to keep traffic moving and maintain access to all businesses. Once construction starts, the main point-of-contact for residents and businesses for any traffic management updates, access issues or queries will be the project’s dedicated Public Liaison Officer, Sophie Ward-Owen. She will be available by email at Sophie.Ward-owen@owen-partners.co.uk.” Both projects will be funded by a portion of the £20m in ‘Levelling Up’ funding awarded to the county council in October 2021. The remaining funding will be used across four projects, including improvements to Spalding’s A16/A151 Springfield Roundabout and A16/B1180 Greencell Roundabout. The ‘General Works’ Lot was awarded to Winvic by Lincolnshire County Council in April 2022. Works to be undertaken by Winvic on A and B class roads in Lincolnshire are likely to include the construction of roundabouts, major highways widening or dualling, bridge construction and service diversions and installation as well as the installation of drainage and street lighting. For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents threatening road workers with weapons, such as machetes, crossbows and dogs. A driver threatened to chop off an operative’s head with an electric handsaw unless he was allowed through a closed road. One worker was shot at with a pellet gun, while another regularly receives homophobic abuse. Road workers are there to do a critical job to improve the roads and environment for communities living in the city, and every single person deserves to go home to their families safe and well at the end of each shift. Kier Highways site supervisor, Paul, said: “The people I work with are not confrontational. They are good people, there to do a job that they have been instructed to do. Yet they have been threatened with machetes, shot at, driven at, had things thrown at them. “And what for? Just because somebody wants to drive down the road that must be closed for safety reasons? “Road workers are there to do a job and earn a living. We should respect that and afford the people in these jobs the right to earn that living.” Expect Respect features stories from five different operatives who work across Birmingham. They each tell their lived experience of abuse and call on the public to make a change to their behaviour. The campaign has been launched by the Integrated Programme Alliance (IPA), which delivers vital network improvement works across the city and was established by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Highways Ltd, together with Kier, Arcadis, Tarmac, Highway Traffic Management (HTM) and WJ Group. It is also supported by Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council. Cllr Clements said: “Everyone working on our highways network is doing an important job – and all of their tasks are carried out for the people of our city and those using our roads. “That is why it is totally unacceptable that they are subject to any form of abuse. Some of the incidents that have been reported are shocking and horrific, which is exactly why I back this campaign.” Birmingham Highways Ltd (BHL) manages and maintains the roads in the city. To support road workers and to provide the police with better evidence, BHL has invested in CCTV towers, body cameras and warning systems to alert workers when people or vehicles enter a live work site. Dave Pugh, Technical Director at Birmingham Highways Limited, added: “Over 800 people across our IPA teams are working hard to improve the standards of the roads in Birmingham, and they deserve our respect. The work they do is vital to the safety and efficiency of our roads, and we hope that the proud people of Birmingham will support our workers and call out any incidences of abuse or assault to collectively help stamp out this shocking behaviour.” Road workers on the contract receive regular training on public interactions and how to keep these positive, as well as incident reporting training and these messages are being reinforced throughout the campaign. Should a resident wish to raise an incident about a road worker and their conduct, they should do so via the website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey has set out Greater Manchester’s intention to eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the city-region’s roads through ‘Vision Zero’. In 2021, 858 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions on Greater Manchester’s roads. Vision Zero is the next step in Greater Manchester’s mission to reduce the number of deaths or serious injuries caused on the city-region’s roads, and in turn make it a safer, healthier and more sustainable place for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists. By taking decisive action, around 3,800 unnecessary deaths and serious injuries could be prevented by 2040. On Monday (5th June) Dame Sarah was joined by Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt and other key stakeholders at the Big Active Conversation in Tameside to announce the start of a detailed programme to fully develop Greater Manchester’s Vision Zero approach, with the aim of presenting a unified strategy with a shared ambition of zero deaths and serious injuries on Greater Manchester’s roads. Road danger reduction experts, Agilysis, has been commissioned to develop the strategy in the coming months, with a first draft expected in Autumn. As part of this work Agilysis will identify and engage with key stakeholders, including Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services, with a view to consulting with members of the public next year. The strategy will then be adopted subject to agreement with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey said on Monday: “Any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many, and these collisions are already devastating people’s lives. “It’s heart-breaking to learn of a fatal or life-changing collision and sadly there has been some horrendous incidents very recently right on our doorstep. These incidents are neither acceptable or inevitable, and we should all be doing everything we can to prevent them. “Back in November I launched a refreshed mission for Greater Manchester’s active travel programme and within that I recommended the region adopt Vision Zero. “Today’s announcement is the first step on making that a reality and I hope the work that now follows will pave the way in making everyone feel safe when they take to the roads, whether that be in a car, on foot or on a bike. “Getting it right will require a collective effort and commitment by everyone, which is why I am delighted to have Agilysis on board as we start our journey today.” As well as stamping out serious injuries and deaths on Greater Manchester’s roads, Vision Zero will help tackle the impact on the emergency services and the cost to public finances, with the potential to save the city-region’s economy more than £4.5billion over the next 20 years. The strategy will draw on best practice from other cities around the world and across the UK with Vision Zero strategies in place, including Stockholm, Oslo, London and Bristol. Some of the effective measures to have been introduced include 20mph speed limits, safer junctions and segregated lanes for people to walk, wheel and cycle and increased enforcement for speeding vehicles. Greater Manchester’s Vision Zero plan will also build on the existing work of the city-region’s Road Danger Reduction Advisory Group and Greater Manchester Police, which has already been bolstering operations to keep people safe when they are using the region’s transport and highways network. Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt said: “Commitment to Vision Zero in cities and regions across the UK and overseas has resulted in a significant reduction in death and serious injury on the roads. “We look forward to the outcome of the work by our road danger reduction experts to see the potential for similarly positive outcomes in Greater Manchester, building on the work already undertaken by districts, TfGM, the police and other partners.” Greater Manchester is already taking steps to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads, with improved walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure as it builds the largest active travel network in the country as part of the Bee Network. In addition, GM boroughs have been trialling new schemes to boost active travel participation in a safer environment, such as the School Streets pilots and the introduction of 20mph zones. In Greater Manchester there were 28 pedestrians killed and 217 serious injuries as a result of road collisions in 2021. Meanwhile, there were five cyclist fatalities and 129 serious cyclist casualties in the same period, plus 10 motorcyclist deaths and 106 serious casualties. In addition there were 29 fatalities amongst car occupants (which includes drivers and passengers of private vehicles, taxis and minibuses) along with 305 casualties suffering serious injuries. Drivers failing to look properly remains one of the top contributory factors recorded for collisions between a person cycling and drivers, as well motorcyclists. In the top five driver manoeuvres which cause injury to Greater Manchester cyclists, three are associated with turning, and not looking and seeing properly including; turning right; driving ahead right-hand bend and turning left. Superintendent Gareth Parkin of GMP’s Transport Unit added: “We are committed to Vision Zero for Greater Manchester. Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that deeply effects our community. “With our growing Roads Policing team, we will continue to increase our capability to enforce, educate the public, and work with stakeholders to eliminate preventable collisions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has been chosen to deliver a five-year £47m road repair and maintenance contract across 3,000 miles of highways in Leicester and Leicestershire. The leading construction materials supplier, which has its group headquarters at Coalville in Leicestershire, was successful in the joint tender bid for carriageway patching, including pothole repairs, for Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council. It is inclusive of all required works including excavation and milling, removal of road planings, provision of material and the machine laying and compaction of asphalt materials – these may include a range of Aggregate Industries proprietary products, Aggregate Industries is the sole provider for the contract, which initially runs from July 2023 to July 2024, with an optional extension period of four years to be run over 12-month incremental periods. As part of the agreement, Aggregate Industries will be working in partnership with both local authorities to reduce carbon and help support their net-zero ambitions. Materials and delivery of works will be supported by the company’s Leicestershire plants at Bardon Hill and Croft. Jonathan Falls, Midlands Area Manager for the company’s Surfacing Solutions division, said: “This is fantastic news and a great recognition of the quality of our approach and service delivery for customers. “This forms core business for our Midlands team. We’re really proud to be chosen to repair and maintain the roads of Leicester and Leicestershire, especially with it being right on our doorstep and having worked with both authorities as customers for well over 30 years. “We will work collaboratively with both councils, with an important part of the contract delivery focusing on the need to help deliver low carbon solutions to support the city and county’s net-zero strategies. “This is something that really resonates with Aggregate Industries and we’re pleased to be able to provide a circular approach by recycling planings from areas of carriageway we repair back into the network. Having big local sites at Bardon and Croft also means less journey time and less emissions.” As part of our social value commitment under the contract agreement, Aggregate Industries will use low-carbon materials and carbon usage reporting. The company will be dedicating volunteering hours to support Leicestershire community organisations and supporting young people’s access routes to work as well as providing educational opportunities to local schools/colleges to attend local Quarry and Technical Laboratory visits. Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This contract arrangement is a good fit for us, with the company’s head offices local to Leicestershire and they will also deliver carbon-reduction innovations which is a nod to our wider net zero pledge.” Councillor Adam Clarke, Deputy City Mayor for Transport, Clean Air and Climate Emergency said: “The work carried out under this contract will be maintenance and repair schemes in local neighbourhoods, which are an important part of our ongoing investment in the city’s highways.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Government has been given the go ahead for a new railway station to be built in Cambridge. Work has already begun on the 4-platform, fully accessible station based at Cambridge Biomedical Campus in the south of the city. The Government has earmarked £200 million worth of funding for the project which is due to be completed in 2025. The construction of the station is expected to create 300 new jobs and when completed, will provide links to Stansted Airport and the Eurostar. It’s expected to receive 1.8 million passengers a year. Unveiling the plans, Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This brand-new station will not only benefit local passengers but deliver a major boost to the entire city, improving connectivity to a world-leading academic hub while unlocking local business and growth opportunities across the region. “This is just another step in our efforts to create a thriving, well-connected, passenger-focused rail network to support communities for generations to come.” Reacting to the announcement, Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “It’s an exciting time for the railway in Cambridgeshire with a green light to deliver a new station that will serve the vitally important and growing biomedical campus. “Rail continues to be an environmentally sustainable form of transport and I know the minister’s announcement will be welcomed by the customers and communities we serve across Cambridgeshire and beyond.” One of the main beneficiaries of the project, Kristin-Anne Rutter, Executive Director at Cambridge Biomedical Campus Limited, said: “We are delighted that the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is to get its own railway station in less than 2 years’ time. Better public transport links will be critical in fulfilling our vision of a more sustainable campus. “Currently, there are around 5 times as many visits to the site as there are car parking spaces. We have to find ways of making it easier for the thousands of staff, NHS patients and visitors arriving daily to get here without needing to use a car. “This is a campus dedicated to improving human health, so anything that has the potential to cut air pollution and take pressure off our local roads is also very welcome. Coupled with the recent approval of the East-West Rail route directly linking Oxford with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, we believe we can create a successful yet sustainable health and life sciences cluster that can both grow the economy and save lives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heritage bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been praised for its work to completely refurbish and rebuild one of the world’s oldest suspension bridges. Spencer Group has completed a programme of essential works to preserve Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland, which is more than 200 years old. The crossing over the River Tweed from Horncliffe in Northumberland to Fishwick in Berwickshire has a single span of 449ft (137m) and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1820. Union Chain Bridge, which is both a Grade I listed building in England and a Grade A listed building in Scotland, is credited with being a catalyst for bridge innovation. It influenced the design of many other famous structures and remains the world’s oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic. A funding bid was submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) by Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and community group the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, amid concerns about the condition of the bridge. Following the successful bid, Spencer Group was appointed by Northumberland County Council to dismantle the bridge and carry out a complete refurbishment and rebuild. A key element of the project was to ensure modifications were in keeping with the historical significance of the bridge. This included restoring, rather than replacing, the suspension chains and using the same type of stone to repair masonry work on the bridge’s two towers. Ted Cawthorne, Honorary Treasurer of the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, which was formed in 2014 and has more than 700 members, said: “It’s been an incredible job by Spencer Group and we’re absolutely delighted to have the bridge back. It’s a vital link between the communities on either side. “The bridge is an important part of the local scene, so we’re very pleased to have it back fully installed and in use again. “It looks wonderful and even more elegant than it did before. There are some differences that have been made during the restoration, with some necessary modern interventions, but that’s just a sign of this remarkable bridge moving with the times. “It’s a terrific achievement and it means a great deal to us to have it restored and fit for use for another 150-200 years. “The remarkable thing is that many of the original components are still intact, which means they will be 350-400-years-old by the time it might need another restoration.” Hull-based Spencer Group worked closely with the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, along with other community groups, the two councils and Museums Northumberland to keep them informed and updated throughout the delivery of the project. Mr Cawthorne said: “Spencer Group have been fantastic and have engaged with us every step of the way. We couldn’t have asked for more. “It’s been a privilege to have them in the community and working with us. They’ve been marvellous and they’ve really integrated into the community. “The team has been very approachable and all of them have been very friendly as well.” Union Chain Bridge is only accessible to one vehicle at a time due to its restricted width. It previously had a weight restriction of two tonnes but, following the restoration and rebuild, this has been increased to three tonnes. Spencer Group also remodelled the English and Scottish approach roads to incorporate parking for visitors to the bridge, which is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians and is a popular tourist attraction. Joe DiMauro, Engineering Director for Spencer Bridge Engineering, said: “It’s been a privilege and an honour for us to carry out this crucial heritage project to preserve such a historical structure for future generations. “It’s been a long journey, from the initial planning through to removing the whole structure, refurbishing all the components, and completely rebuilding it. “It’s been incredible to have been part of the project from start to finish and it feels like a great achievement now that it’s complete.” For more information about Spencer Group’s bridge works expertise and the projects it has delivered, visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/bridges Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is reminding passengers travelling along the rail line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York to plan their journeys ahead of time, as nine days of major upgrades are due to take place from 17-25 June 2023 at Morley station. Over nine days, engineers working on the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade will start to demolish the old platforms, construct new ones, realign tracks and activate a track turn-back (which allows trains to turn around) and re-control signals to Network Rail’s rail operating centre in York. For the majority of the nine days, railway diversionary routes as well as rail replacement buses will keep passengers moving, however, there will be significant impact over the first two days of the upgrades (17-18) as engineers complete additional work in Huddersfield, affecting the main diversionary route. During this time, no trains will run between Huddersfield and Leeds and all services will be replaced by buses. Sarah Thompson, Sponsor on TRU said: ” We’re really excited to start the next phase of upgrades at Morley which take us one step closer to a fully accessible station”. “However, for us to safely complete these upgrades, we do need to stop trains from running via their usual route, so I’d urge anybody travelling between 17-25 June to check ahead and plan their journey”. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank customers for their patience and understanding while the work takes place”. Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said: “As major upgrade work takes place for Morley station, there will some service alterations for TransPennine Express services. Customers are advised to allow for additional time to travel and to check carefully for the latest service alterations before they travel on our website (www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times). “Updates will also be available on our social media channels. In addition, extra support will be available for customers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist customers with their journeys.” The Transpennine Route Upgrade is set to revolutionise rail across the north of England by delivering a fully electrified railway between Manchester and York, improving stations along the route and upgrading a number of bridges and level crossings.
Signify, the world leader in lighting, has equipped Dublin Port Tunnel in Ireland, an iconic infrastructure spanning 9km, with energy-efficient LED lighting for all its 1800 light points in the tunnel. The upgraded lighting has achieved up to 60% reduction in electricity use (based on 2022 rates), or the equivalent of the electricity consumed by up to 300 Irish households1.The upgrade hasenabled the tunnel to operate with reduced costs, lower emissions, and a reduced impact on grid congestion. The project is expected to save upwards of €4 million (£3.3 million) in electricity costs including VAT over the coming five years. The installation includes reusing the existing fittings for all light points. So, the project contributes to a more circular economy, saving an estimated €3 million (£2.6 million) as opposed to opting for a new LED infrastructural installation. Since the end of 2006, Dublin Port Tunnel has provided a link to the wider motorway network between Dublin Port and the M50, routing heavy goods transport quickly, quietly, and safely away from city and residential areas. Tunnel maintenance operator ERTO was instructed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to find a solution that would reduce energy costs and improve the quality of light in the tunnel. Signify’s LED retrofit solution was selected for its ease of replacement and impressive cost savings, which are especially significant in the context of the current energy crisis. Also, given that the tunnel is a dedicated route for Heavy Goods Vehicles between the Port, located in the heart of the city and the greater road network via the Coolock Lane Interchange (M50), the LED lighting project also aims to improve visibility in the tunnel. The project is part of the Irish government’s energy efficiency plans and was partially funded through the European Green Deal. Replacing the existing over 17 year installed Philips WRTL SON-T lighting with LED lights from Signify dramatically reduces the energy needed to keep the lights on, as well as providing a clear, high-quality light source that offers drivers and CCTV operators excellent visibility of road conditions. Installers made use of the existing high-quality housings, which were all retested, and CE marked to current standards and fitted with Philips METIS 2816 LED insert trays. By reusing the existing fittings, the project was achieved with minimal material waste, contributing to a more circular economy. As the new lights were made to perfectly fit the existing fittings, installation could be completed with minimal disruption to road users. Installers worked during late night and early morning hours over five weeks, with each lantern taking just five minutes to strip out and replace. Reusing materials also kept the project’s capital expense to a minimum, saving an estimated €3 million (£2.6 million) compared to a new installation. Patrick O’Hanlon, Senior Engineer at TII, said “We are delighted to have worked with Signify on this project. The replacement of the original SON lamps with LED inserts is a huge step towards reducing the carbon emissions, energy consumption and future maintenance of the Dublin Port Tunnel, while also improving overall lighting and power quality.” Sean Campbell, Key Account Manager – Road Lighting, Signify Ireland, “Dublin Port Tunnel is unique in Ireland and high traffic flows from the port of Dublin. Working with the customer and assessing the balance of maintenance costing along with energy prices on the rise, our R&D team successfully developed and tested a product that was cost effective and energy efficient. Collaborating with the customer who trusts Signify to deliver on a circular economy project that reduces energy consumption while increasing the power factor has been a real pleasure.’’ Dermot Deely, Managing Director, Signify Ireland, said “With public lighting accounting for 24% of Dublin Council’s energy expenditure, energy efficiency projects like this one can make an enormous positive impact. Through a relatively simple upgrade, we’ve been able to improve light quality, cost, maintenance, and sustainability for Dublin Port Tunnel. We are particularly proud to have supported these environmental goals while giving a second life to many of the materials that were already in place.”Learn more about the impact of switching to LED on Signify’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
