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
Innovation, decarbonisation and growth: These are the three key topics of this year’s Railtex, the UK’s leading trade event for the entire railway sector. Taking place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, Railtex 2023 will once again provide a unique opportunity to source and explore
HS2 has once again begun tunnelling under the capital, launching its third giant Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in London. The tunnel won’t be used by HS2 trains, but instead will be used to deliver materials and remove spoil from the northern portal where HS2’s Euston twin bored Tunnel will be
Galliford Try’s Highways business has been selected to design and to build the new multimillion pound Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR). The new road will connect junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West, providing additional crossings of the River Caldew and River Petteril, and includes the
Almost four kilometres of glazed platform edge screening has been installed across central London’s Elizabeth line stations, keeping passengers safe with the final segment of the landmark rail project now open. St Helens headquartered glass manufacturer Pilkington UK supplied 5,000 glass panels to Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, which manufactured and
HS2 has set up a rebar threading facility to address materials shortages at its Copthall tunnel construction site in Hillingdon – creating jobs, cutting waste and reducing lorry movements. The new facility will make 92,000 rebar couplers, needed to construct the Copthall tunnel. The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has delivered a new multi-million-pound footbridge in Peterborough, ensuring that members of the public can continue to cross the A47 easily and safely. GRAHAM was appointed by National Highways, which needed to replace Longthorpe’s old bridge as it approached the end of its life. Now operational,
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.
Innovation, decarbonisation and growth: These are the three key topics of this year’s Railtex, the UK’s leading trade event for the entire railway sector. Taking place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, Railtex 2023 will once again provide a unique opportunity to source and explore the latest products and services aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of rail transport. The show features a strong line-up of national and international suppliers, the popular On-Track Display area, and a three-day supporting programme packed with expert talks and special activities. Just a few weeks to go until leaders, innovators and trailblazers of the rail industry will come together at Railtex 2023 in Birmingham to discuss, present and source the latest technologies and solutions addressing some of the rail sector’s challenges. With continued growth and investment expected for the coming years, current goals are centred around improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the sector, while also enhancing the passenger experience and connectivity between different modes of transport, as well as supporting economic growth. “Digitalisation, automation, and electrification are just some of the key developments that have opened up new possibilities for the rail industry in the years to come,” says Olaf Freier, the Transport Portfolio Director, on behalf of show organiser RX. “Railtex offers the ideal platform for industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in the rail sector to connect with manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and peers. There is plenty of opportunity to explore the latest products and innovations and learn about new projects, policies and initiatives. The whole event is geared towards networking, knowledge sharing and technology sourcing to help attendees grow their business or career in the rail industry.” Supporting programme with high-profile speakers and networking A three-day conference and activity programme, organised by the main show partner, the Railway Industry Association (RIA), provides exclusive insights into the latest developments and projects in the rail sector, exploring how rail companies can successfully innovate and change to meet future industry challenges. Participants will also benefit from excellent networking opportunities with suppliers and peers. The Future Focus Conference & Young Rail Professional Conference The Future Focus Conference features an exciting agenda of keynotes, presentations and panel discussions by leading industry experts and thought leaders, covering key aspects of sustainability, safety and policy. This year’s topics will touch on rail supply chain issues ahead of CP7 (Control Period 7), the decarbonisation of rail, and international opportunities for the sector. Speakers include representatives from the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), Great Western Railway, Network Rail, the Railway Industry Association, Siemens, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), and Midlands Connect. The Young Rail Professional Conference on day three is dedicated to the new generation in rail. The Conference Zone is located at Stand U11. The drop-in sessions are free to attend and CPD certified. Updates on the programme and speakers are published on the official event website. Innovation Village RIA’s Innovation Village, built at the centre of Railtex, provides a collaboration platform between technology suppliers and rail clients to help create game-changing solutions. Each day features a different client with pioneering solutions developed in collaboration with suppliers, offering a great opportunity to learn from delivered projects. Innovation village “mayors” include the Network Rail R&D Portfolio, the Transport for Wales Lab, and the Train Operating Companies (TOC) Innovation Community. The Innovation Village is part of the “Unlocking Innovation” programme, a multi-award-winning initiative by RIA designed to accelerate innovation. Top suppliers and newcomers from across the entire rail supply chain Attendees can expect an excellent cross-section of technologies and services that facilitate the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of rail transport. Exhibits cover rolling stock technology, track, and infrastructure, signalling and communications, vehicle maintenance, fare collection systems, cable technology, and many other rail-related products and services across the entire rail supply chain. Attendees are invited to use the Railtex Exhibitor List Tool and Online Show Preview to explore exhibitors and products that are of particular interest to them. Venue, tickets, and opening times Railtex 2023 will take place from 9 – 11 May 2023 at the NEC Birmingham, UK, right in the heart of the Midlands region. International flight connections and the excellent local infrastructure make the venue easily accessible. For further travel information please visit our Travel Hub. Visitors can register online and order free tickets ahead of the event. During the show, tickets are available on a purchase basis via the online ticket shop or on-site. For fast and easy access, visitors are advised to print out their e-ticket or download their mobile ticket prior to the show. Show opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 17:00 PM on Tuesday, 9 May, and Wednesday, 10 May 2023, and from 10:00 AM to 16:00 PM on Thursday, 11 May 2023. For further information please visit: www.railtex.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has once again begun tunnelling under the capital, launching its third giant Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in London. The tunnel won’t be used by HS2 trains, but instead will be used to deliver materials and remove spoil from the northern portal where HS2’s Euston twin bored Tunnel will be constructed. Engineers from HS2’s contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), launched the 847 tonne machine from the Atlas Road site in North Acton, from where it will build an 853 metre tunnel to the Old Oak Common Station site. The tunnel drive will be completed in around six months, with the tunnel constructed using 4,264 concrete segments forming 533 tunnel rings. The segments, each weighing over 3 tonnes, have been produced by Pacadar in Kent. The tunnel will be used to transport 8,010 tunnel segment rings to construct the Euston tunnel. The segment rings are being manufactured by STRABAG in Hartlepool and will never be transported by public road – utilising rail, and the logistics tunnel – all part of HS2’s commitment to sustainable construction. A conveyor system will also run through the logistics tunnel, and will connect to an existing conveyor at Atlas Road, taking the London clay being excavated to construct the Euston Tunnel to HS2 London Logistics Hub at Willesden Euro Terminal. From there, the spoil will be taken by train for re-use at sites in Kent, Cambridgeshire and Rugby. Malcolm Codling, HS2’s Project Client for the London Tunnels, said: “The Atlas Road Logistics Tunnel is key to how we will be constructing the Euston Tunnel between Old Oak Common and HS2’s Euston station. The logistics tunnel allows us to take 70,000 lorry journeys off the local roads that would otherwise have been required and will reduce the impact of HS2’s construction on the local community.” The TBM being used to construct the tunnel has been repurposed using components from a TBM, ‘Ellie’, that was previously used on the Crossrail project. ‘Ellie’ dug two sections of the Crossrail tunnels in the Capital – from Limmo Peninsula in Canning Town to Royal Victoria Dock, and between Pudding Mill Lane and Stepney Green – boring a total of 2.23 miles. Specialist TBM manufacturer, Herrenknecht, has designed a TBM specifically for HS2’s requirements and has expertly remanufactured components including the shield and the cutting wheel. Following a longstanding tradition of naming TBMs after women, members of the local community have selected the name ‘Lydia’ for the TBM. Lydia Gandaa is a former teacher at nearby Old Oak Common Primary School and a founding member of the Bubble & Squeak social enterprise in the area. She is an active member of the local community, running after school and holiday clubs at the Old Oak Community Centre. Speaking about having the TBM named after her, Lydia said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to come down to the HS2 site and am honoured see the TBM that has been named after me. I am passionate about the local community and thank them for choosing my name for the TBM.” The TBM was switched on following a naming and blessing ceremony at the Atlas Road site. Lydia was at the event to see her name unveiled on the giant machine, alongside pupils from Old Oak Primary School. James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG JV, said:”This is our third TBM to launch in London and later this year we will have five machines operating. Four of these will be boring the HS2 tunnels, linking West Ruislip and Old Common. Today’s launch is significant as it is not used for the operational railways, but will create a direct link to between our logistics hub and Old Oak Common, allowing us to transport tunnel segments and spoil without using local roads.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try’s Highways business has been selected to design and to build the new multimillion pound Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR). The new road will connect junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West, providing additional crossings of the River Caldew and River Petteril, and includes the construction of four roundabouts, five cycle bridges and four road bridges along an 8km stretch. The new road is vital for the economic growth of Carlisle and will provide supporting infrastructure for the new community at Cuthbert’s Garden Village, bringing significant benefits to the city and the wider county. Commenting on Galliford Try’s appointment to the project, David Lowery, Managing for Galliford Try’s Highways business, said: “We are delighted with this appointment to deliver the new CSLR which strategically aligns to our Sustainable Growth Strategy and builds on our portfolio of high-quality major infrastructure work. “The project will deliver a lasting social impact for the Cumbria community and we look forward to applying our capabilities in innovation, modern methods of construction and, importantly, carbon reduction, working with closely selected local supply chain partners on this much anticipated scheme.” Welcoming the award of contract to Galliford Try, Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s outgoing Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in the Carlisle Southern Link Road project. “What once felt like a pipe dream to build this new strategic road, now really feels like it is happening and gathering pace with the appointment of Galliford Try. The benefits the road will bring in connecting East and West Cumbria and unlocking both housing for the new garden village and stimulating economic growth and investment cannot be underestimated.” Work on site is expected to begin in June 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Almost four kilometres of glazed platform edge screening has been installed across central London’s Elizabeth line stations, keeping passengers safe with the final segment of the landmark rail project now open. St Helens headquartered glass manufacturer Pilkington UK supplied 5,000 glass panels to Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK, which manufactured and installed floor-to-ceiling platform screen and door systems – creating a transparent safety barrier between the platform edge and the track. The glazed barriers feature on both the 240-metre-long eastbound and westbound platforms at the Paddington, Bond Street, Woolwich, Canary Wharf, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel stations. The glazing comprises two pieces of advanced toughened glass, based on the technology that underpins the Pilkington Pyroclear® range – addressing the current risk requirements including barrier safety and blast resistance. Kristian Chalmers, head of sales at Pilkington UK, said: “We’re proud to be one of the many suppliers from across the UK’s nations and regions that have helped Crossrail to become a reality. “Naturally, a project like this commands the specification of high-performance materials that can withstand very high traffic while meeting critical safety requirements. “Knorr-Bremse chose to work with us on the project for the Elizabeth line due to the strength and quality of the Pilkington Pyroclear® product technology, and our ability to meet both a demanding technical brief and a complex programme. The glass is an ideal choice for projects with safety and security standards as high as this. This is reflected by the fact that we now have products listed in the London Underground approved product directory.” The Elizabeth line will serve 41 accessible stations, 31 of them upgraded, including all three terminal rail stations at Heathrow and services to Reading. It will boost central London’s rail capacity by 10 per cent, bringing an additional 1.5 million people within 45 minutes’ commute of central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has set up a rebar threading facility to address materials shortages at its Copthall tunnel construction site in Hillingdon – creating jobs, cutting waste and reducing lorry movements. The new facility will make 92,000 rebar couplers, needed to construct the Copthall tunnel. The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) team constructing the tunnel were faced with delays due to a shortfall of available prefabricated fatigue rated rebar couplers, after suppliers had exited the market. To address this, the team has constructed a threading facility on site to produce the required quantities of the materials themselves. As well as addressing supply shortfall, the threading facility has resulted in a significant financial saving on the project by reducing waste, costs and lorry movements, and overall creating a more efficient way of working. To construct the 880 metre long cut and cover Copthall tunnel, 92,000 fatigue rated couplers are required. A team of 14 will work at the facility six days a week, 8 hours a day for three years to meet the supply needs for the tunnel. The process to get the facility up and running took 20 weeks in total, with the team gaining CARES certification (assured certification for the constructional steels industry) for the work and securing the required equipment from Sheffield based company, Leviat. It is only the second time CARES certification has been given for this activity to happen onsite. The team purchase stock rebar and then complete processing operations on site, before taking it through the four-step threading process and delivering it to the Copthall tunnel construction area. All the work is taking place within the site boundary reducing unnecessary lorry movements, supporting HS2 Net Zero Carbon targets. The solution was devised by Ray Moloney, Senior Project Manager for SCS JV, who explains his approach: “Uncertainties in the market and the need to meet the requirements of the HS2 construction programme meant that we had to look at an innovative solution for supplying fatigue rated mechanical reinforcement connections. In mid-2022 we started engaging with partners including Leviat and CARES to develop an on-site processing scheme and within 20 weeks, we were processing our first order. “The solution has created new jobs, offered new training opportunities for engineers and means that we can remove the risk of any delays in construction due to supply shortages.” HS2’s Project Client, Malcolm Codling, said: “We are always looking at ways in which we can improve construction efficiency and are pleased to support our construction partners in developing solutions like this and getting them off the ground. Ray and the team have developed an approach that means we can stay on track, save money, and can be replicated elsewhere.” The model offers a new blueprint for how the manufacturing of materials can be done on site and can offer significant benefits to other construction projects. As well as supplying the Copthall tunnel works, the facility has also been able to provide fatigue rated couplers to other HS2 works being delivered by SCS JV to support overall delivery and de-risk supply chain delays. The team are now looking at how they can improve productivity in the manufacturing process to create additional capacity to support other supply requirements across HS2. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has delivered a new multi-million-pound footbridge in Peterborough, ensuring that members of the public can continue to cross the A47 easily and safely. GRAHAM was appointed by National Highways, which needed to replace Longthorpe’s old bridge as it approached the end of its life. Now operational, the new 30-meter-long structure (which is located just five meters from the site of the old bridge) was designed to be more accessible for cyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users. It was delivered as part of a £250 million package of National Highways projects, geared towards improving safety on the A47 between Peterborough and Great Yarmouth. To ensure no biodiversity has been lost as a result of the bridge build, four hundred new trees will be planted locally to replace those it was necessary to remove as part of the project. Wood chippings produced were donated to a community garden in nearby Ravensthorpe and wood from pallets, which had been used to deliver materials to the site, were also given to the community garden where a volunteer transformed them into a model of a steam train. This was subsequently donated to a school nursery. Andrew Harmon, Contracts Manager for GRAHAM, commented: “We’re proud that National Highways appointed GRAHAM to deliver these essential improvements to the major road network. GRAHAM strives to make a difference to communities, and the new footbridge will improve accessibility in the area, making it safer for everyone to cross the A47.” As part of the project, GRAHAM demolished the old arched concrete footbridge, which was built in the 1970s and failed to meet current industry standards. The new structure was constructed whilst keeping the old footbridge open, complete with reinforced containing walls and pre-cast concrete bridge beams. The new bridge also features shallow access ramps for enhanced accessibility, two abutment walls, CFA piling, and a luminated handrail. Its retaining wall contains Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a unique, sustainable material. GRAHAM worked to minimise disruption, managing two full weekend closures, and shutdowns of the A47 for the bridge beam delivery and demolition phase. The old bridge was kept open for the duration of the works, with a minibus service provided for members of the public. GRAHAM’s team could only gain access to the site via the A47, as residents live on either side of the structure. GRAHAM have programmed works in April and May to carry out improvement works upgrading central reservation vehicle restraint system and streetlighting Addressing attendees at the bridge opening, Chris Eglinton, National Highways Project Manager for the bridge build, commented: “This is a fantastic day, and I am delighted for everyone whose hard work and professionalism has got us to this point. “Improving the major road network and making it safer – including how you cross over it – is what we do. This new bridge will make that much easier. Whether you’re on a bike or perhaps pushing a pram, I’m sure people will notice the difference.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
