Major progress is being made on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, with the majority of earthworks which set the foundations for a new passing track loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations completed. On completion of the major upgrade project between Manchester and Sheffield, the passing loop will enable passenger trains
Two tram stops on Metrolink’s Eccles line will close for 10 weeks to allow for major rail replacement work to take place. From Saturday 15th July to Thursday 21st September, track renewal work will be carried out on Eccles New Road which will result in the closure of Eccles and
Three-quarters of Network Rail’s suppliers have, by emissions, committed to setting their own science-based emissions targets. Network Rail has thanked its suppliers for getting on board with its ambitious sustainability targets after 75% of suppliers, by emissions, committed to implementing their own science-based emissions targets. Supporting the UK government’s target
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition,
Acting alongside Ferrovial Vertiports as its strategic property development partner, developer Milligan is helping to identify demand rich locations, selecting potential sites and carrying out assessment criteria in order to determine the viability of each site for eVOTL urban air mobility. Milligan along with AECOM and Lichfields who are acting
Nearly 2,000 jobs supported by the construction of HS2’s ‘super-hub’ station HS2’s landmark super-hub station is today celebrating a key milestone as it marks two years of permanent construction. In June 2021, the then Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, gave the thumbs up for
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
Major progress is being made on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade, with the majority of earthworks which set the foundations for a new passing track loop between Bamford and Hathersage stations completed. On completion of the major upgrade project between Manchester and Sheffield, the passing loop will enable passenger trains to pass slower freight trains, increasing the reliability of passenger journeys. The team on the ground has completed soil nailing and regrade work at Bamford to clear the land needed for the new track and to secure the adjoining rock face. This involves drilling nails into the embankment to stabilise the ground in advance of track installation. A total of 935 nails have been installed by the team as part of the work ready for track to be installed later in the year. LINK TO VIDEO Graeme Whitehead, Senior Sponsor on the Hope Valley Railway Upgrade said: “We’re very pleased with the progress of work that the team have made at Bamford, despite challenging ground conditions”. “Reaching this milestone means that we’re one step closer to completing the passing loop and delivering benefits to passengers travelling along the Hope Valley line.” The first phase of track installation on the loop was completed in Bamford between November 2022 and February 2023. This included the construction and placement of two turnout sections of track for the loop, which will eventually meet in the middle completing a passing loop for fast trains to pass, therefore reducing delays to services. The remainder of the loop is planned to be completed this year. Elsewhere on the project, work is progressing to build a second platform and a new footbridge at Dore & Totley station. Over 2355m of track has been installed in Dore & Totley since July 2022, and work has recently started to build the foundations for the platform and footbridge. The Hope Valley Railway Upgrade is due to complete in spring 2024.
Two tram stops on Metrolink’s Eccles line will close for 10 weeks to allow for major rail replacement work to take place. From Saturday 15th July to Thursday 21st September, track renewal work will be carried out on Eccles New Road which will result in the closure of Eccles and Ladywell tram stops. Services will continue to operate as normal between Weaste and the city centre, as well as the MediaCityUK and Trafford Park Metrolink lines, A fully accessible bus replacement service will also run to take passengers between Weaste and Eccles, serving Ladywell, for onward journeys. Signed pedestrian walking routes will be in place and customer service staff will be present to help passengers. More information can be found online. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) regularly carry out maintenance, repairs and renewal to track, overheard wires and other equipment to improve the travelling experience and service for customers. Work has previously been carried out on the Eccles line in 2021 and 2022 to replace sections of worn rail along the line, which first opened 22 years ago. A total of 1.7km of worn rails will be replaced as part of the latest phase. Undertaking the repairs over the summer and early autumn will ensure that as much work as possible is completed and reduced the need to close the line for longer in the future. Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “I’d like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience these works will cause.It is, however, essential to do to keep our services safe into the future. “It will be the final summer of rail replacement for some years, and this year we will be running trams all the way to Weaste from the city centre, in order to minimise disruption.” Dedicated travel advice and information can be found on TfGM’s website. For any other queries prior to, or during the course of, these engineering works, contact the TfGM Customer Relations team at customer.relations@tfgm.com or by calling 0161 244 1000.
Three-quarters of Network Rail’s suppliers have, by emissions, committed to setting their own science-based emissions targets. Network Rail has thanked its suppliers for getting on board with its ambitious sustainability targets after 75% of suppliers, by emissions, committed to implementing their own science-based emissions targets. Supporting the UK government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Network Rail became the first railway company to set independently verified Science Based Targets in October 2020, and challenged its suppliers to set their own. Suppliers, such as manufacturing and construction companies, generate around two-thirds of the railway’s emissions, so Network Rail has worked with its partners in setting their own targets and will support in monitoring and measuring their performance to encourage shared learning. Ripesh Patel, Network Rail’s Commercial & Procurement Strategy Director, said: “I’d like to say thank you to our suppliers, who have shown genuine enthusiasm and desire to do their part in bolstering rail’s position as the greenest form of transport. Rail is already a very environmentally friendly way to travel, however, we can do more and need our suppliers’ help to become an industry powered by renewable energy. “Seeing this level of commitment is a really important step on our journey towards a better, more sustainable railway for the future, and we’re looking forward to working with our suppliers to identify improvement opportunities and standardise the recording and reporting of their targets.” In order to engage with suppliers and encourage them to set targets to cut emissions, Network Rail has run four cross-industry Science Based Target workshops in the past 18 months, in collaboration with National Highways, HS2, HS1, TFL, and East West Rail. These workshops have been focused on providing the supply chain with practical information to help them on their journey to cut emissions. The four workshops were attended by 1,925 people and have played a key role in helping suppliers to set their own targets. Targets adopted by companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are considered “science-based” if they are in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and making efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Science Based Targets form a key part of Network Rail’s comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which sets out a clear pathway for a better, greener railway for Britain. Details of Network Rail’s Science Based Targets workshops can be found at: www.networkrail.co.uk/industry-and-commercial/supply-chain/working-with-us Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has reached the next phase of upgrades to the Transpennine route at Morley. Network Rail engineers completed nine days of round the clock work from 17 to 25 June at Morley train station. Works carried out included the creation of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition, a full signalling recontrol to Network Rail’s York Rail Operating Centre and the installation of a brand-new footbridge. The railway was closed for the duration of the scheme, this allowed further work to be carried out in Batley where a new footbridge was completed and opened to the public. It replaces the existing Lady Anne level crossing. The works at Morley station are part of a wider project by Network Rail to fully electrify train routes across the North of England as well as improving stations along the way. Commenting on the works, Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said, “I want to say a big thank you to passengers for bearing with us over the last nine days as our engineers completed these major upgrades at Morley station. “We understand that there is no right time to complete work that impacts rail travel, so really appreciate the patience and support of passengers while it has taken place. “Despite the very warm weather, our engineers have made great progress and we’re really excited to officially open the station later this year.” Reflecting on the impact of the project, Tony Baxter, Regional Director for the East at Northern, said: “We’re really grateful for the patience of all of our customers over the past nine days whilst work has been taking place to rebuild Morley station. We know that this work has been disruptive, but we’re delighted to be able to welcome our customers back on board our trains. “Though it’s been a case of some ‘short term pain for long term gain’, when the new station opens fully later this year, the improved accessibility it will deliver will be absolutely transformational for our customers and the wider community “Once complete, the upgrades at Morley Station will not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also improve passenger experience. The extended platforms will allow longer trains with more seats to stop at the station, while the new lifts and footbridge will provide increased accessibility for everybody.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acting alongside Ferrovial Vertiports as its strategic property development partner, developer Milligan is helping to identify demand rich locations, selecting potential sites and carrying out assessment criteria in order to determine the viability of each site for eVOTL urban air mobility. Milligan along with AECOM and Lichfields who are acting as planning advisor, are now developing a pipeline for the first Vertiport locations which will enable the future of UAM in the UK. At a special event hosted at UKREiiF in Leeds last month, Exec Chairman John Milligan and Ferrovial Vertiports UK MD Brad Miller introduced their joint approach to engaging communities and key stakeholders to unlock the connectivity benefits of UAM for UK towns and cities. They discussed the critical role of infrastructure in enabling UAM operations in this breakthrough technology that will offer sustainable, convenient air connections, transforming the way people move to, through and between cities. Innovative companies are rapidly designing, developing, and seeking certification of eVTOLs utilising technology that will ensure passengers are transported in a safe, quiet, and sustainable way. John and Brad were joined at the event by Dominic Jackson from eVTOL manufacturer, Vertical Aerospace. Dominic presented information on the technology, certification and manufacture of eVTOLs as well as high level details about the growing order book with international airlines. Brad Miller said “Freedom of movement is critical to global economic and social advancement. With a 70-year history of developing transportation infrastructure that helps communities flourish and grow, Ferrovial is proud to play a leading role in transforming the future of urban air mobility. “Locations are identified with Ferrovial’s insightful, and data led demand model and the team at Milligan is deploying its rich understanding of the UK’s property market in order to build a pipeline for the first Vertiports.” Stuart Harris, CEO at Milligan added: “UKREiiF has been the perfect opportunity to unveil the details of our partnership and plans going forward. With an audience of local authorities, central government, developers and landowners, we have started some exciting conversations about locating the first Vertiports. “Between Milligan’s development expertise and Ferrovial’s long, successful history in developing and operating high-value, complex infrastructure in different sectors and geographies we have the skills and credibility to add some pace to the groundwork that’s needed for this important new infrastructure. “Ferrovial’s technical, innovation and sustainability credentials will add countless benefits to communities as UAM begins to transform the way we move and how our cities are connected. The technology is ready, so as towns and cities we need to be too.” Footprints for vertiport locations can be as low as 10,000 sq ft (1,000 sq m) and up to 160,000 sq ft (4,000 sq m) and by utilising Ferrovial’s eVTOL passenger forecasting demand tool and Ferrovial’s in-house expertise in airspace, energy, surface access and construction engineering locations can be immediately assessed for suitability. Milligan and Ferrovial are in active discussions with a wide range of property owners in the UK that align with Ferrovial Vertiports’ passenger demand criteria. Anyone interested in learning more about the sustainable world of urban air mobility and how it could be accretive to a location’s core proposition is encouraged to get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nearly 2,000 jobs supported by the construction of HS2’s ‘super-hub’ station HS2’s landmark super-hub station is today celebrating a key milestone as it marks two years of permanent construction. In June 2021, the then Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, gave the thumbs up for permanent work to begin on HS2’s super hub station, Old Oak Common, in West London. Work on the site has gathered pace and significant progress has been made. A total workforce of 1,900 people are supporting the delivery of the HS2 ‘super-hub’ station, with the site itself welcoming around 1,000 workers each day. After being given the signal to start permanent construction, HS2’s Station Construction Partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Joint Venture (BBVS JV) started work on the the installation of the 1.2 mile diaphragm wall for the underground box which will contain the six new high-speed platforms. The wall was completed back in March, with the team having installed 275 diaphragm wall panels and 161 bearing piles, the largest of these being 2.2m in diameter and 57m in length. The first base slab concrete pour in the western end of the station box has also taken place. The excavation of the box is also well underway with over 465,000m3 of London clay already removed out of a total of 930,000m3 from across the site. The excavated clay from the site is now being taken away via part of a 1.7 mile conveyor network, removing thousands of lorry movements from local roads. The conveyor was officially switched on in November 2022 by the HS2 Minister, Huw Merriman MP. Over 900 of the 1,600 concrete piles have been installed into the ground where the HS2 station superstructure and overground platforms for the conventional train network will be constructed. Piling work began earlier this year on the second half of the super-hub – the eight platforms that will be served by Great Western Mainline and Heathrow Express services. It will also become the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line. Platform construction will start later this year. The team also successfully completed the demolition of the Wycombe Line Bridge, over Old Oak Common Lane, at the end of May 2023. The disused rail bridge was removed following a weekend road closure, and makes way for the construction of the new Network Rail bridges which allow the Great Western Mainline track alignment to be widened as it approaches the new station. The team are not just focused on what they are building but also how they are building. HS2 is committed to eliminating the use of diesel on all its construction sites by 2029 and significant progress has been made towards this at Old Oak Common. The site has set a goal to achieve diesel-free by the end of 2024, with a collaborative team working on plans. Amongst a number of measures being taken at the site is a transition to electric equipment including the use of two fully electric crawler cranes, two of only five used across the world. There is also an abundance of green technology being used, including hybrid excavators and diesel equipment retrofitted to use more sustainable fuels. Speaking about the incredible progress at the site, HS2’s Project Client, Huw Edwards, said: “Here at Old Oak Common, we are well underway in our work to construct London’s newest super-hub station. Our work is supporting nearly 2,000 jobs and we are already seeing that the new station is becoming a catalyst for regeneration in the Old Oak and Park Royal area. “Upon completion, it will harness the close linkage with the newly opened Elizabeth Line, dramatically improving connectivity and creating a new destination to live and work in London.” Nigel Russell, Project Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA said: “Together with HS2 and our supply chain partners, we have made great progress at Old Oak Common having most recently celebrated the first concrete base pour for the station box. “We now look forward to continuing this momentum as we work hard to complete HS2’s ‘super-hub’, which will become one of Britain’s largest, best connected and most sustainable railway stations.” Later this year, the eastern end of the ten-hectare site will be handed over the HS2’s London Tunnels Contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), for the breakthrough of the Tunnelling Boring Machine, named Lydia, which will have completed the construction of an 850m long logistics tunnel from the nearby Atlas Road site. The SCS JV team will then receive two further TBMs delivered to Old Oak Common, in 2024, which will be assembled in the station box, ready to bore the 5 mile Euston Tunnel. Once open, Old Oak Common station will become one of the country’s most vital transport hubs, with services East, West, North and South. Plans to transform the wider area around the station, a former railway and industrial site, are being led by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and it projects that tens of thousands of new jobs and homes will be created around the new HS2 station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
