7 June 2023 announced as date for first passenger service between Picardy Place and Newhaven as Pilrig Wheels installed. Passenger services on the new tram route to Newhaven are scheduled start at 12pm on 7 June 2023, it was announced today (Thursday, 25 May). The route, which has been under
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has appointed leading rolling stock engineering consultancy DB ESG to deliver its tram safety improvement programme. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) recommended that light rail networks deliver programmes to prevent the risk of serious accidents from tram over-speeding or driver inattention following the tragic
Aggregate Industries has secured a place as one of the contractors to provide surfacing works on highways across Blackburn and Darwen. The leading construction materials supplier, which has its regional Northern Office at Hindley, Wigan, was successful in securing a place on Lot 1 Surfacing and Civils Works Framework for
Work to renovate the Beverley Station 130-year-old footbridge which closed due to its rotting wooden canopy has begun ahead of its reopening later this year. Engineers began work to strengthen the cast iron structure of the footbridge at Beverley Station, following its closure in September. Network Rail’s North and East
During the second week of May, Railtex, the International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems and Services, ended after three days of flourishing business. From 9 – 11 May 2023, over 2,600 trade visitors came to Birmingham to discover the latest innovations, products, and services from all areas of railway technology.
Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group is making significant progress on the construction of a £26.5 million station in South Leeds. Situated between Morley and Cottingley, the White Rose Rail Station will be located on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield. It will be a two-platform station providing improved
Greater Manchester is set to invest a further £40.7m in its walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure as it progresses with its delivery of the largest active travel network in the country. Active Travel England (ATE) has today confirmed it will award £23.7m to the city-region as part of a wider
HS2’s main works civils contractor in the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has completed the construction of the 200 metre porous portal of HS2’s Burton Green Tunnel. The portal is the southern entrance to the 700 metre green tunnel, which will carry HS2 trains through Burton Green. Once built,
HS2 has taken a further step forward in decarbonising the constructure sector, completing a world first by installing four 30-metre deep piles on a London site using a hydrogen dual-fuel piling rig. The trial took place as part of work done in partnership by ULEMCo and Cementation Skanska, working with
HS2’s construction is helping to keep over 2,000 UK businesses afloat as they continue to tackle difficult economic conditions. Latest figures from HS2 show that tier two subcontracts totalling £7.9bn have been awarded to over 2,000 UK-based companies, with SMEs securing £3.6bn worth of orders – a 45% share. Businesses
7 June 2023 announced as date for first passenger service between Picardy Place and Newhaven as Pilrig Wheels installed. Passenger services on the new tram route to Newhaven are scheduled start at 12pm on 7 June 2023, it was announced today (Thursday, 25 May). The route, which has been under construction since November 2019, has been delivered within the £207.3m budget meeting the scheduled completion date of spring 2023. Council Leader Cammy Day welcomed the news from Iona Street, where two historic cable wheels dating back to Victorian Edinburgh’s original tram system were lowered into place on Thursday. The wheels, which are 2.6m in diameter, were rediscovered at the Pilrig Street junction with Leith Walk in August 2021 during Trams to Newhaven excavations and will now be put on permanent display as part of public realm improvements to Iona Street. Over recent months rigorous testing to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely has included running trams at half and full speed and eventually to timetable, work to integrate signalling and interface with Edinburgh Trams’ control centre and driver familiarisation. Standard timetable testing will continue on the route in the run-up to the launch of services on 7 June 2023. Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As we welcome back a piece of tram history to Leith Walk, it’s fitting that we’re also able to look forward to the future of Edinburgh’s tram network, and the start of passenger services on the brand-new line to Newhaven. “While this is a moment for celebration, it’s also a chance to reflect on the last few years, and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank residents and businesses for their patience during this major, complex project. “The completion of this line, delivering high capacity, clean transport to the densely populated north of the Capital, signifies our aspirations to become a sustainable, net zero city. And by improving connectivity to the waterfront, it won’t only promote further economic development in Leith, but will bring jobs and more affordable housing too. “We’re now counting down the days to passenger services, and I’m pleased to say this project will be delivered within budget and on time. This is thanks to lessons learned from the previous project along with a great deal of hard work and dedication from the project team and contractors involved in the construction process.” Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams, said: “The setting of a launch date for the new line is fantastic news for city residents and visitors, but particularly communities between the city centre and Newhaven. “In recent years, thanks to the efforts of the entire Edinburgh Trams team, our multi award-winning tramway has become one of the most popular transport systems of its type thanks to a single-minded commitment to service excellence that will continue into an exciting new era. “As we approach this major milestone in the history of Edinburgh Trams and the city, we can’t wait to welcome even more customers on board as we introduce swift and reliable services to the vibrant communities along the route, helping to unlock their full potential and providing a real boost for local businesses.” Maria Ortega, Project Director on SFN JV, said: “This is a proud day for the Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN) JV team as we celebrate the new line coming into operation. We started work on Edinburgh Trams York Place to Newhaven four years ago, tasked with the delivery of one of the most important and complex light rail projects in the UK. Today we can say that we have achieved that vision successfully. “I would like to thank the relentless efforts of our team throughout unprecedented times and recognise the power of the ongoing collaboration we have had with our client, our partners and our supply chain. “It has been a privilege to operate within the communities of Leith and Newhaven and we extend our thanks to the local community. “We hope that the City of Edinburgh will now begin to benefit from the wide-ranging social and economic benefits that a project of this significance will bring.” UK Managing Director of Infrastructure at Turner & Townsend, James Corrigan said: “Following our long-standing relationship with City of Edinburgh Council and successfully supporting the original project post mediation which led to the work for the project between York Place and Newhaven, we are delighted to see the new, improved line approach it’s final stages of construction and ready for full service. “The project is an example of how significant investment in infrastructure can not only improve connectivity across a popular city centre but also contribute to the city’s green agenda. Collaboration with the full supply chain and client is something we pride ourselves on and this has certainly been key to driving performance during the construction of this major project. Working closely with all partners has helped to mitigate the challenges of supply chain issues and general volatility in the market post COVID-19, and enabled the project to remain on time and on budget. As local authorities look to provide more sustainable and efficient transport and meet their net-zero aspirations, tram networks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Edinburgh has led the way in this revolution and is a superb exemplar for others to follow.” While the project will open for revenue services on 7 June 2023, outstanding public realm works will continue in some sections. Find out more about Trams to Newhaven.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has appointed leading rolling stock engineering consultancy DB ESG to deliver its tram safety improvement programme. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) recommended that light rail networks deliver programmes to prevent the risk of serious accidents from tram over-speeding or driver inattention following the tragic event at Sandilands in Croydon where a tram overturned. Metrolink trams are already fitted with a device that applies the emergency brake in the event of a driver becoming incapacitated and the signalling system has several built-in protections. DB ESG working in partnership with Sella Controls, will design, install, test and commission the Driver Vigilance Devices (DVD) and Tram Overspeed Protection Systems (TOPS) to the Metrolink fleet of trams. To prevent over-speeding, Metrolink’s fleet of 147 trams will be equipped with the new systems that will use GPS and other information to determine the location and speed of the tram. The system utilises Sella Controls UK Rail approved Tracklink® III and EKE Electronics TRAINNET® technologies to provide the TOPS and DVD System. In the event of over-speeding, the driver will be alerted, and if there is no response the brakes will be applied automatically. The protection system will operate independently of other tram monitoring systems. To ensure drivers remain alert, an upgrade will be applied to the traction brake system and if no movement is detected input will be requested from the driver. Since the Croydon accident, TfGM and the Metrolink Operator – KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) – worked to progress the recommendations and introduced enhancements such as lower speed limits in key areas, additional hazard signage, an improved driver simulator used for training, enhanced medical standards and proactive speed monitoring. As the largest light rail network in the country, with more than 100km of track and 147 vehicles – which equates to just under half (46%) of the entire tram fleet in the UK – significant work has been done to explore new technology that will help to deliver the more complicated RAIB recommendations. This included use of the Metrolink network to trial solutions on behalf of the newly founded Light Rail Safety and Standards Board. This meticulous research was used to develop the specifications for the systems that DB ESG will now deliver. TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is paramount, which is why we have robust safety and assurance practices built into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the network. “Metrolink has an exemplary safety record, but following the tragedy in Croydon – and through the subsequent RAIB recommendations – we have taken steps to enhance this even further and have played an industry-leading role by participating in trials of innovative technology to monitor driver attention and vehicle over-speeding. “Metrolink is the largest and most complex light rail system in the country, and we’ve worked very closely with leading industry experts to ensure we get the right solution, and we look forward to working with DB ESG to deliver them.” Nick Goodhand, Managing Director at DB ESG, said: “We are pleased to be working with TfGM to deliver their critical Tram Safety Improvement Programme to implement the RAIB recommendations. The Tram Overspeed Protection System introduces an additional level of safety without impact to the normal service delivery or performance of the tram network.” Rob Nield, Business Development Manager at Sella Controls, said: “Following the successful delivery of the UK’s first SIL2 Light Rail Overspeed Prevention System, we are pleased to once again work closely with DB ESG, and newly TfGM, to deliver a solution which further bolsters the already outstanding Metrolink safety record.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries has secured a place as one of the contractors to provide surfacing works on highways across Blackburn and Darwen. The leading construction materials supplier, which has its regional Northern Office at Hindley, Wigan, was successful in securing a place on Lot 1 Surfacing and Civils Works Framework for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. The contract is for an initial period covering April 2023 to April 2025 with an option for two further 12 month extensions. The framework is for the delivery of surfacing schemes valued up to £1m per annum and is to provide footway and carriageway improvements and resurfacing. A key part of the framework was sustainability, which included supporting the council’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. This allowed Aggregate Industries, when formulating the bid, to put forward the choice of key innovative low carbon surfacing solutions that are fundamental in assisting local authorities in meeting their future CO2 targets. Victoria Smith, Regional Director for the North and Midlands in the Surfacing Solutions division, said: “It’s great news to have been appointed to the surfacing contract for Blackburn with Darwen and have the opportunity to deliver some real value to the framework utilising the latest in low carbon solutions. “We have a strong track record in the region with local authorities and on major infrastructure projects and will be supporting our contracts from our asphalt and recycling facilities in Lancashire and North Manchester.” Aggregate Industries will also support the council on wider social value aspects including providing volunteering support for local projects and working with the local supply chain where appropriate. Carmel Foster-Devine, Head of Highways at Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with Aggregate Industries to improve the road network across Blackburn with Darwen. Our local communities will also benefit from the social action and volunteering support the company invests in neighbourhoods in which it works. “In addition, working with contractors who align with the objectives we’ve set ourselves within our Climate Change Action Plan is paramount and Aggregate Industries have shown that they can support us in addressing sustainability and resource efficiency in their project delivery.” For more information about our Surfacing Solutions compatibility visit https://www.aggregate.com/products-and-services/contracting-services Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work to renovate the Beverley Station 130-year-old footbridge which closed due to its rotting wooden canopy has begun ahead of its reopening later this year. Engineers began work to strengthen the cast iron structure of the footbridge at Beverley Station, following its closure in September. Network Rail’s North and East Route Director Matt Rice said the works were vital to refurbish the footbridge which dates from the 1880s while keeping passengers safe. A Network Rail spokesperson told LDRS the newly restored footbridge is set to open in November once the works are finished. It comes after East Riding Council’s Planning Committee first approved plans to remove the footbridge’s wooden canopy last July. Councillors heard the Grade II-listed structure could no longer withstand the effects of wind and the weight of passengers, with no viable options to preserve it. There were concerns that parts of the weakened canopy could start falling onto the tracks below. But objectors at the time claimed it had become run down because of a lack of maintenance after standing for 130 years without issue. The cast iron part of the footbridge was among a series of ‘Type Ones’ installed on North Eastern Railway (NER) lines in the late 19th Century. It is one of the few surviving footbridges of its kind left on the Hull to Scarborough railway line. The wooden canopy is thought to be a later addition after the bridge was first installed in 1889. Network Rail works are set to see the cast iron base of the bridge cleaned, repaired and repainted and its flooring strengthened so it can remain. The iron bridge parapets are set to be replaced with steel replicas, infilled with mesh panels. Passengers will continue to be diverted along Armstrong Way while the works take place. Mr Rice said he was pleased the works were now getting underway. Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said: “I’m pleased that work is getting underway to fully restore this historic footbridge at Beverley station. It is an important piece of history that dates back to the 1880s, so it’s vital that we refurbish it sympathetically whilst ensuring it remains safe for passengers. “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst we push ahead with this project, and I look forward to the bridge opening later in the year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
During the second week of May, Railtex, the International Exhibition of Railway Equipment, Systems and Services, ended after three days of flourishing business. From 9 – 11 May 2023, over 2,600 trade visitors came to Birmingham to discover the latest innovations, products, and services from all areas of railway technology. This is a 17 % increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous event in 2022. As the showcase event for the rail industry, Railtex 2023 welcomed 160 exhibitors from 19 countries representing the complete spectrum of the railway industry, from railway civil engineering to rolling stock manufacturing, plant machinery, monitoring and testing systems, safety, and security systems, signalling and communications, track and infrastructure, passenger technology and many other products and services. “It was a very good and valuable three-day event filled with innovative product showcases, learning opportunities and plenty of business conversations. We would like to thank all our partners, exhibitors and visitors who helped make this show possible,” stated Nicola Hamann, the Managing Director, on behalf of RX. “We are delighted to see such a positive turnout of the show! Both exhibitors and visitors were highly satisfied, as they either reconnected with existing contacts or established new business relations.” Key topics of the rail industry explored in supporting programme Key topics included decarbonisation to international growth, innovation, and sustainability, which currently move and influence the industry. These topics were covered via the exhibitors’ products and services and the show elements, such as panel discussions, presentations, and Innovation Village at Railtex 2023. “Another rich supporting programme, organised by our main show partner, the Railway Industry Association (RIA), reflected the key challenges and opportunities that the UK rail industry will face in the years to come. In addition to the great speaker line-up, it was also such a pleasure to welcome Dame Nia Griffith, the Shadow Minister for Exports, and Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Select Committee at Railtex,” mentioned Nicola Hamann, on behalf of RX. A detailed overview on the full programme and keynote speakers is available on the show’s Conferences page. Innovation in the spotlight at Railtex RIA’s Innovation Village welcomed a different railway client each day, who showcased their innovative solutions, and Innovation Village’s mayors included High-Speed Two (HS2), Transport for Wales and Train Operating Companies (TOC) Innovation Community. Dates of the next show Existing and new exhibitors have already expressed their interest in participating in the upcoming show edition in 2025. Railtex 2025 will take place from 13 – 15 May 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group is making significant progress on the construction of a £26.5 million station in South Leeds. Situated between Morley and Cottingley, the White Rose Rail Station will be located on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield. It will be a two-platform station providing improved access to the adjacent White Rose office park, shopping centre and bus interchange. The fully accessible station will include cycle storage next to the White Rose Park, along with improved walking and cycling routes between Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw, and the White Rose Shopping Centre and bus interchange. Hull-based Spencer Group is delivering the project for White Rose owner Munroe K in conjunction with Network Rail, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council and the Department for Transport. Construction of the new station, which will replace Cottingley Rail Station, is scheduled to be completed later this year and is expected to open in early 2024. Joe Bennett, Operations Director at Spencer Group, said: “We’ve been working closely with key stakeholders to bring the White Rose Rail Station to fruition and, as a local contractor, are pleased to play our part in helping our infrastructure in the North. “Over the coming months, the commitment and hard work the partnership and key stakeholders have demonstrated in getting the scheme to this point will be rewarded with significant physical progress on the site. “The erection of the lift cores and link bridge walkways, connecting the platform works already undertaken, will transform the look of the project and enable people to see the facility for the first time. It’s an exciting time for all involved.” Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, visited the site to see the progress being made on the project. The visit included a first look at the steel frames for the new station buildings, which will house two lifts and the stairs to the station platforms. This work follows the installation of the station platforms on the railway line embankment. Ms Brabin said: “We’re determined to create a stronger, fairer and better-connected region so that everybody has the same opportunity to get on in life. Investing in transport that supports economic growth is absolutely vital. “I’m proud that together we’re investing £26.5 million in a new White Rose Rail Station. “This investment will bring new opportunities for people in Cottingley, Churwell, Millshaw, Morley and beyond by boosting transport links and local regeneration, including housing and job growth.” The scheme has received funding from the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme and £5 million from the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, alongside contributions from Munroe K. David Aspin, CEO of Munroe K, said: “For a long time now I’ve had the ambition to bring a fully accessible new station to White Rose Park and to see it nearing completion is immensely rewarding. “Delivering the UK’s very first railway station through public and private sector partnership has been a real testament to everyone involved. “The new station can be the catalyst to unlock real economic development in this area of south Leeds, providing our local communities with better links to education and employment opportunities. Its location at the White Rose Park makes it accessible to many more people living in the area and beyond.” Students from nearby Elliot Hudson College have taken part in work experience with Spencer Group at the site to learn more about the project and careers in the industry. Rosie Quashie, Vice Principal at the college, said: “Work experience placements such as those our students have been able to access at the White Rose Rail Station construction site are so important. “Working with the staff at Spencer Group has provided our students with a wide range of transferable employability skills and enabled them to gain invaluable experience of the scheme and the different career opportunities in engineering and construction, and this has really supported them in deciding their career destinations after leaving Elliot Hudson College. “Many of our students rely on public transport and will benefit from the new station when it opens next year.” To find out more about Spencer Group’s rail infrastructure expertise, visit www.thespencergroup.co.uk/our-work/rail/
Greater Manchester is set to invest a further £40.7m in its walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure as it progresses with its delivery of the largest active travel network in the country. Active Travel England (ATE) has today confirmed it will award £23.7m to the city-region as part of a wider boost to active travel funding across the country, with Greater Manchester’s sum the largest regional settlement in the UK. In addition, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is due to approve the release of £17m from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund for four major active travel schemes when leaders meet next week. Both sources of investment will enable Greater Manchester to progress with its long-term ambition to create the largest walking, wheeling and cycling network in the country, and further unlock the health and environmental benefits of active travel for people across the city-region. Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, said: “The news of this funding award from Active Travel England is a sign of confidence in the plan we have here in Greater Manchester for the development of our Active Travel network. It’s vital that we are linking to the wider public transport system and building a Bee Network that provides genuine journey choice for residents and visitors alike. “The new funding, as well as the funding drawn down from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, will be used across all 10 boroughs on a variety of infrastructure projects. The key focus remains that a universally accessible network is the aim and so the projects vary from segregated and accessible paths and crossings, to secure cycle storage and upgraded junctions. “I am looking forward to seeing all of the funded projects come to life as they will further add to the high quality, comprehensive network of active travel routes that are needed across the region.” The £23.7m has been allocated to 13 schemes in total, including a new active travel corridor along Chapel Street in Salford and a striking cycling and walking ‘helix ramp’ as part of the new Stockport Interchange. The eye-catching 180m spiral ramp will link a new rooftop park to the River Mersey and the TransPennine trail, and to a wider network of cycling, walking and wheeling routes. The ramp will not only be a striking structure to look at, but it will also provide a seamless and dedicated link for users to walk, wheel or cycle to the new park from ground level, and vice-versa. The first phase of Salford’s Chapel Street East scheme, between New Bailey Street and Blackfriars, will make it easier and safer for people travelling on foot or by bike by providing high quality cycle lanes, as well as improved footways and crossing provision. The other 11 schemes set to benefit from ATE’s award in Greater Manchester include: In addition to the ATE funding, GMCA leaders will also be asked to approve the draw down of a further £17m from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund at their next meeting on 26 May as part of the wider delivery of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated London-style transport system. Funding due to be rubber-stamped includes £4,312,386 for the Bee Network Crossings programme (GM-wide), £4,998,000 for improved active travel infrastructure in Bolton town centre east, a further £2,951,594 the Lord Street-Rock Street scheme in Oldham town centre and £4,751,389 for three CYCLOPs junctions on Talbot Road in Trafford. With approximately five million journeys made on Greater Manchester’s road network each day, the investment in active travel infrastructure will further enable people to opt for different modes of transport and in turn reduce congestion. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added: “The scale of our ambition in transforming how people get around is huge; with a target for one million extra journeys being made on public transport or by bike or foot every day by 2040. “To meet this challenge head-on we are delivering our transformational Bee Network, which will make travelling easier, cheaper and more accessible and connect our trams and buses – and ultimately local train services – with the largest cycling, walking and wheeling network anywhere in the UK. “It is great news that all 10 of our boroughs will benefit from more than £40m being invested in active travel schemes across the city-region.” As well as funding to deliver new and improved cycling and walking routes, leaders at next week’s GMCA meeting will also be asked to approve the release of funds – allocated to the city-region from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) – to enable the ongoing development of plans for a range of transport projects, including a new train station at Golborne, a new quality bus route connecting Ashton and Stockport and the development of future rapid transit schemes. Proposals to strengthen governance arrangements around the delivery of Greater Manchester’s transformational plans for public transport and active travel will also be discussed, with plans for a new Bee Network Committee – which would lead transport decision-making at a regional level, taking greater ownership and responsibility for our integrated network – to replace the existing Greater Manchester Transport Committee.
HS2’s main works civils contractor in the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has completed the construction of the 200 metre porous portal of HS2’s Burton Green Tunnel. The portal is the southern entrance to the 700 metre green tunnel, which will carry HS2 trains through Burton Green. Once built, the tunnel will have green space created over the top, covered with trees and plants, providing a new landscape for the local community. Over 160 roof segments have been installed as part of the 200-metre long concrete porous portal, with each segment weighing over 20 tonnes. The porous portal features a series of vents in the roof which transition HS2 trains leaving and entering the tunnel. The pressured air wave produced by the ‘piston effect’ of the train moving through the tunnel will be channelled through the vents. Rupert Blake, Senior Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “We’re making great progress with the construction of the Burton Green Tunnel, with the south portal now complete. The next phase of construction will be the section of the tunnel to the north, where a cutting is being excavated, diaphragm walls built, a concrete roof put on, before soil is backfilled over the top ready for planting. “A key feature is the realignment of the Kenilworth Greenway, which will follow the route of the tunnel and have large-scale planting around it. It will also provide connectivity to existing footpaths which will run across the top of the tunnel, providing green spaces for the local community to enjoy.” To avoid unnecessary HGV movements, the soil generated by the excavation will be used as part of the wider landscaping plans in the area, sensitively integrating the railway into the local area, reconnecting wildlife habitats and enhancing biodiversity. Once construction and landscape work is complete, the Greenway will be restored close to its original alignment, running across the top of the new tunnel, providing a link from Burton Green to Kenilworth and Berkswell for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. Large-scale planting of native trees and shrubs will provide biodiverse habitats for wildlife, shield the Greenway visibly from the new railway, and re-establish vegetated connections to Black Waste Wood and Little Poors Wood. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has taken a further step forward in decarbonising the constructure sector, completing a world first by installing four 30-metre deep piles on a London site using a hydrogen dual-fuel piling rig. The trial took place as part of work done in partnership by ULEMCo and Cementation Skanska, working with the world-leading Business Research Establishment (BRE), funded through the BEIS Phase 1 Red Diesel Replacement competition. ULEMCo and Cementation Skanska successfully modified a medium sized CFA piling rig, converting it so that the machine component operated using energy from on-board hydrogen tanks. Using the dual-fuel system, both diesel and biofuels (HVO) can be mixed with hydrogen, displacing the fuel with hydrogen, resulting in a reduction in fuel use and lower CO2 emissions. Following successful yard trials simulating the technology, the rig was brought onto a HS2 site in London where it has successfully completed piling works for HS2, demonstrating that the dual-fuel adaptation can be applied more widely across the construction sector supporting the decarbonisation of plant and machinery. The successful trial is one of several initiatives being undertaken by HS2 in its commitment to decarbonising construction sites and achieving completely diesel-free sites by 2029. To date, 19 HS2 sites operate entirely diesel-free. Speaking about the success of the dual-fuel piling rig on a HS2 site, Andrea Davidson, Head of Environmental Sciences for HS2 Ltd, said: “HS2 is continuing to drive a positive change in the construction sector and is providing an important environment to develop the real-world use of hydrogen energy technology. “The development of dual-fuel systems that can be used to adapt existing equipment so it can run off cleaner, low carbon energy sources, could be a game changer across the construction sector.” Now that it has been shown that the technology can work in a real-world scenario, ULEMCo and Cementation Skanksa are looking at how this technology can be used more widely, reducing embodied carbon in construction and reducing impacts on local communities near construction sites. Terry Muckian, Managing Director, Cementation Skanska said: “Using this rig in a real-world environment to install piles on a commercial site is an exciting milestone. It follows the success of the simulated trials last year and is the next step towards rolling the technology out more widely. “This project goes beyond piling and ground engineering, it provides proof of concept for converting other types of heavy construction equipment, paving the way to construction site decarbonisation.” Amanda Lyne, Managing Director of ULEMCo said:“The machines used in construction are owned and used for many years, so demonstrating a decarbonisation solution that utilises these existing assets is not only cost-effective but also important for sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction is helping to keep over 2,000 UK businesses afloat as they continue to tackle difficult economic conditions. Latest figures from HS2 show that tier two subcontracts totalling £7.9bn have been awarded to over 2,000 UK-based companies, with SMEs securing £3.6bn worth of orders – a 45% share. Businesses in every UK region have won work supporting HS2’s construction, with the East of England, West Midlands, Greater London and the South East each amassing over £1bn worth of contracts. Firms of all sizes have stepped up to deliver – £1.9bn worth of work has been awarded to medium sized businesses (50-250 employees), £677million to small businesses (11-49 employees) and just over £1billion to micro businesses (1-10 employees). Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “These figures demonstrate the significant opportunities HS2 offers to UK businesses and supply chains. Not only is it transforming services on our railways, but it’s creating new opportunities for growth and supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs right across the country. “The benefits of HS2 will be felt for generations to come, creating extra capacity on our rail network and providing a sustainable option for travel, while boosting a skilled construction workforce in the process.” HS2’s supply chain is working at pace to provide a vast range of services including groundworks, archaeology, technology systems, and the manufacturing of parts, components and personal protective equipment. Many suppliers have gone on to win repeat business, and with two decades of construction to go, HS2 is providing a lifeline to companies seeking to recover and expand. Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re working with specialist businesses and suppliers from across the UK to deliver Britain’s new high speed, low carbon railway. These firms are providing world-leading consultancy services, engineering solutions and products, with many going on to secure multiple contracts. Given the size and longevity of HS2, we’re able to provide businesses with a lasting pipeline of work, which is boosting confidence and prompting investment despite the challenging economic climate. “It’s fantastic to see the impact partnering with HS2 is having on businesses in our supply chain, supporting and creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs for employees in communities in every corner of the UK.” Karen Woolley, Development Manager at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Procurement is an essential lever through which to support small business growth and innovation and, therefore, to enhance the productivity and the wider competitiveness of the economy. It is encouraging to see in black and white HS2’s level of spend with SMEs, which demonstrates the much-needed levelling of the playing field that the FSB has been calling for. “At a time when trading conditions are quite possibly at the most challenging they have been for many years, smaller firms having the opportunity of accessing contracts with such an important infrastructure project as HS2 can provide that much needed boost to a company’s economic productivity, whilst also securing jobs and providing for economic stability.” At the centre of the high speed network, West Midlands-based businesses have been quick to seize opportunities. When major civils works began in 2020, the breadth of contract opportunities grew and firms with expertise in delivering complex engineering solutions came to the forefront. Mark Pickard, Managing Director of Walsall-based firm Altrad RMD Kwikform, said: “Working on HS2 has given our business a timely boost, allowing us to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and giving us the impetus to invest in our people and hire more staff. “We’ve worked on various parts of the project, securing multiple contracts over the last few years on sites in London, the Colne Valley and now in Birmingham, where we’re helping to construct the viaduct that will bring high speed trains into the city centre. With years of construction still to go, we’re confident that our work on HS2 will continue to bring stability, prosperity and growth to the business.” The Government’s announcement on 9 March 2023 confirmed that all phases of HS2 from Manchester to London Euston will go ahead. The first operational phase of HS2, between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street, has been prioritised. Contract opportunities with HS2’s construction partners to support this programme of work are advertised on the CompeteFor platform and can be found on HS2’s website. HS2 has published details of over 900 contracts awarded to its Tier 2 suppliers, and businesses are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss the opportunities this could present for them. Companies of all sizes are encouraged to register their interest in winning work with HS2 and its contractors by registering their details on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2 supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide.
