East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced plans for electrification and the dates of a public consultation on the latest designs and plans for its project which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.     The 10-week non-statutory consultation will run from 14 November 2024 to 24 January 2025, offering communities along the route a crucial opportunity to have their say on the latest plans and shape the future design of the railway.   EWR Co has confirmed its preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains, after the Chancellor confirmed government support for the project in yesterday’s Budget.  As well as the environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would significantly reduce disruption during construction and potentially decrease visual impacts in more sensitive locations along the new railway. This option would also cost less than full electrification, reducing the need to alter current structures and requiring less land for things such as mast foundations.  As well as electrification, the consultation will provide latest designs and information on East West Rail, including:   David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “We’re excited to confirm our plans for electrification, which support our environmental goals by delivering sustainable low carbon journeys and supporting the UK’s transition to an overall net zero carbon economy.    “This consultation is a pivotal moment in our journey to create a railway that truly serves the needs of our communities and delivers sustainable growth for the region and the whole country by improving access to jobs, education and public services.  “East West Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect communities across the Oxford-Cambridge region. We invite everyone to take part in our consultation and share their feedback on our proposals to create a positive legacy for future generations who will live and work in the area.”   Consultation events will be held at various locations along the entire proposed route, including some weekend dates and online events, to widen opportunities for people to attend. A Virtual Consultation Room will also be available, where all the information shown at the public events can be accessed online in a virtual room.  For those unable to attend in person, all consultation materials will be available online, with multiple ways to provide feedback.   The consultation, originally planned for summer 2024, was rescheduled due to the General Election. This new timeframe covers the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but to ensure ensures that communities have ample opportunity to engage with the project and shape its development, the consultation period runs for an additional two weeks and concludes on 24th January.    For more information about the consultation and how to get involved, please visit our consultation page or contact our helpdesk at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

TWO major contracts have been awarded through Pagabo’s civil engineering and infrastructure framework, which will shape the future of the London Underground’s famous Piccadilly line.   The ambitious Piccadilly Line Upgrade project will modernise one of London’s busiest Underground lines, which originally opened in 1906. The work will see the introduction of new trains, increased capacity and an improved passenger experience. As part of the works, Transport for London (TfL) has – through Pagabo’s civil engineering and infrastructure framework – awarded contracts to VolkerFitzpatrick and Taylor Woodrow to deliver Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) services for the Cockfosters and Northfield Depots respectively.   The new depots will be crucial in supporting the operation and maintenance of 94 new trains, with the two contractors being appointed under one procurement. The swift and streamlined process has allowed TfL to quickly appoint its preferred parties to get work underway, while adhering to all the usual compliancy required for such contracts.   David Llewellyn, head of construction and infrastructure at Pagabo, said: “We are thrilled to have facilitated this important procurement for TfL, bringing together two exceptional contractors, VolkerFitzpatrick and Taylor Woodrow.   “With our extensive knowledge and expertise in compliant procurement – particularly with the upcoming Procurement Act changes – our team was able to work closely with TfL throughout to ensure a swift and smooth process adhering to procurement regulations. This allowed the procurement of VolkerFitzpatrick and Taylor Woodrow to be accelerated, putting them both in place to get ECI services underway for the respective depots as soon as possible.  “As one of Europe’s largest metropolitan transport authorities, it’s fantastic to be handling these two appointments for TfL, providing our support and experience throughout. This is just the first of many more large-scale infrastructure projects that have been procured through our civil engineering and infrastructure framework this year, including nine other projects for TfL and Places for London.”  The project for the Piccadilly Line Upgrade depots at Cockfosters and Northfields has been split into two phases procured simultaneously, with the ECI stage proceeding the detailed design and build stage. Both phases will be delivered under the NEC3 form of contract.  Paul Lilley, divisional director, rail and depots, at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “We are delighted to be starting our first contract procured through Pagabo’s civil engineering and infrastructure framework by offering support to essential upgrades to the Piccadilly line’s Cockfosters Depot. Our collaboration with Pagabo, TfL, and our supply chain partners will be crucial for the successful and safe execution of this project. We look forward to sustainably modernising the Piccadilly line, ensuring it is fit for future use.”  Evangelos Maltezos, Project Director at Taylor Woodrow said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed a key role in the Piccadilly Line Upgrade, and enhancing the lives of commuters.  “We are looking forward to demonstrating our technical expertise, our capability in managing complex interfaces and fostering a collaborative approach to achieving success on the project.”  As part of the Piccadilly Line Upgrade project, new facilities will be delivered to enable the operation and maintenance of the line’s new trains, which are being built by Siemens Mobility. Construction of the new facilities is expected to start in 2025.  For more information, please visit https://pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

HS2’s engineers have celebrated a double milestone in the construction of two huge viaducts that will eventually carry the high-speed railway across a floodplain. The work, near Brackley, saw the successful completion of a 2,695 tonnes deck slide for the Westbury viaduct as well as construction of the abutments at either end of the nearby Turweston viaduct. Set low in the landscape to the east of the town, the twin viaducts cross the floodplain of the River Great Ouse which passes under the new high-speed railway twice as it meanders through Buckinghamshire and West Northants. Three miles apart and built using similar designs, the two structures use an unusual ‘double composite’ approach, with layers of reinforced concrete above and below the steel beams, creating a super-efficient box-beam. This approach uses less carbon-intensive concrete and steel than a more traditional design. The deck of the Westbury viaduct – which stretches for 320m – was assembled in three stages, ranging from 84m to 135m with each one pushed out from the north abutment before the next section was attached behind it. This painstaking, six-month long process meant that the weight of the deck increased with each push, up from an initial 1,145 tonnes at the start of work in March – to 2,695 tonnes by the time it reached the south abutment last week. During the slide, special pads covered in Teflon – a material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – were used to cut friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the concrete piers. Engineers were also celebrating at the nearby Turweston viaduct this week with the completion of the two abutments, which will support either end of the 80m long structure. Focus will now turn to assembling the deck girders ready for launch of the 591-tonne structure early next year. HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Elizabeth Longinotti said: “It’s been incredible to watch the enormous deck at Westbury come together over the last year and see it so carefully slid into position. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make it happen – and I look forward to seeing similar progress at Turweston in the coming months. “The innovative double composite structure they share has huge potential to cut carbon in construction by enabling more efficient bridges and I hope that the lessons we have learnt can be successfully applied to other projects across the UK in the future.” Both viaducts are being built by HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – with the manufacture and installation of the beams being led by specialists at Eiffage Metal. With the steelwork now in position at Westbury, engineers can begin the challenging job of lowering the deck 60cm onto the permanent bearings which will support the full weight of the structure. The two-month long operation will see the steelwork above each pier carefully lowered by 20cm at a time, pier-by pier, until the whole 320m long deck settles into its final position. EKFB’s Project Director, Tony Wehby said: “As the Project Director for the Twyford to Greatworth area, I am immensely proud of our team’s dedication and hard work in achieving this double milestone. The innovative ‘double composite’ design not only showcases our commitment to engineering excellence but also highlights our efforts to reduce carbon emissions in construction. “This achievement is a testament to the skill and perseverance of everyone involved, and I look forward to seeing continued progress on the Turweston viaduct.” The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, including the key structures that will form the Delta Junction in North Warwickshire and the viaducts taking the railway into Birmingham Curzon Street. In total, HS2 is building more than 500 bridging structures – ranging from small road bridges to the record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct which became the longest railway bridge in the UK when the deck was finished earlier this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction on Tritton Road including modifications to the existing Dixon Street junction and enabling works. Discussing the award, Alastair Lewis GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We’re delighted to be leading on the next phase of works for City of Lincoln Council. The new bridge and associated works will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding area, enhancing connectivity while driving economic growth. Alastair added: “With works off the ground we’re looking forward to playing our part in this project and working collaboratively with the client and key stakeholders.” Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Western Growth Corridor is a key priority for our council, and the next phase of the development will be a crucial step toward achieving our future vision for the city. “This phase of development will fulfil our urban extension plans to improve our city’s sustainability and long-term growth for years to come. With plans to deliver thousands of new homes, Western Growth Corridor will play a transformative role in addressing Lincoln’s housing needs and driving economic prosperity for our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Esh Construction has completed two key active travel projects in Rotherham designed to make it safer and more convenient for pedestrians and cyclists to travel into and around the town centre. Known as Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor and delivered on behalf of Rotherham Council, the scheme will provide Rotherham’s residents with more opportunities to undertake journeys by bus, walking and cycling in line with the active travel initiative. The Sheffield Road Cycleways project has delivered over 2km of new cycle routes on the A6178 Sheffield Road and Westgate between the town centre and the borough boundary at Tinsley. The route will provide a near seamless connection for cycling from beyond Meadowhall through to the Broom area. Maltby Bus Corridor has seen the installation of 2.8km of new bus lanes and new signalised junctions with pedestrian crossings along the 8-mile route from Rotherham to Maltby. The bus corridor will bypass areas of congestion on the A631 route into the town centre and enable faster and more reliable services, particularly those linking Maltby to Rotherham and onwards to Sheffield city centre, Magna and Meadowhall. As part of its Constructing Local strategy, Esh re-invested £1.3 million in the South Yorkshire region through responsible procurement on the Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor project. Esh Construction also provided 479 hours of school engagement through its partnership with Better Learners Better Workers and RNN Academy for the Rotherham project. A total of 97 apprentice weeks were delivered and seven local residents were employed to work directly on the scheme. Funding for the Sheffield Road Cycleways project and the Maltby Bus Corridor was secured via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority with monies from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed a new era for public transport as services begin to be phased in at Belfast Grand Central Station. Bus stands at the new world class transport hub became operational this week in the first phase of opening. Set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub, the new facility will advance the transformation of public transport with a step change in customer experience. A date for the commencement of rail services will be confirmed once the rail safety authorisation process is complete.  That important and necessary process is continuing and will be finalised as soon as possible to enable train services at the new station to get underway. Public Realm work to put a clear focus on allocation of road space to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport around the station will continue in to 2025. Speaking as he opened Grand Central Station as bus services begin to operate, John O’Dowd said: “This is truly a new era for public transport here in Belfast and across the north and indeed the island of Ireland.  This new flagship station is iconic as well as historic and it signals our intent in relation to our climate commitments and our focus on transport decarbonization.   There is no doubt that this is an impressive facility with the space to cater for up to 20million customer journeys per year, with 26 bus stands and double the number of rail platforms from four to eight.  With 200+ spaces for bicycles, we are focused on encouraging more active travel and providing passenger facilities and services that deliver an enhanced user experience. “This is an example of the importance of infrastructure and the transformative changes my department can deliver.  I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project to make this happen and bring the vision of Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub to reality.”  Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “We are excited to be opening this modern major transport interchange this week.  With advanced customer features and integrated networks, it offers huge opportunity to grow public transport driving economic development across the region and play a major part in tacking the climate emergency.  That means a better-connected future for people and communities for generations to come.   “I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for the funding and the wider NI Executive for their support in designating this as a Flagship Project.   “I would also like to thank the Translink team and the contractors for their commitment and dedication to get this project to this key stage”. Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr JV, said:  “The departure of the first bus from Belfast Grand Central Station this weekend has been a proud moment for the FSJV team who have worked hard to deliver this first operational phase on time. “There has been a true sense of collaboration on this project since day one and we have worked closely alongside Translink, Babcock and our local supply chain to meet the challenging construction programme. This is an impressive building which has been built for the city of Belfast by local people who are invested in our region. We know that it will have wide ranging positive benefits for sustainable travel in Northern Ireland.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Thousands of Lowestoft residents made history today as they walked, wheeled and drove for the first time across the town’s new world-leading and unique Gull Wing bridge. Lowestoft’s long-awaited third Lake Lothing crossing, which opened to the public on Saturday 7 September – heralds a new era of connectivity and regeneration for the town. The new multi-million pound bridge, built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by leading civil engineering contractor Farrans, is a significant step forward for Lowestoft and promises to bring both immediate and long-term benefits to the town, its businesses and residents. Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Today is a significant moment in Lowestoft’s proud history, and it was wonderful to see so many local people being part of it. “The people of Lowestoft have waited decades for a third river crossing. Suffolk County Council promised to build it, and we have. I am delighted that we have delivered on that promise. “The Gull Wing will not only serve as a vital transport link between north and south Lowestoft, but also stands as an iconic new landmark for the town. It represents a new era of development and prosperity for Lowestoft. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.” The bridge not only addresses longstanding issues with traffic congestion but will also act as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting new investment and positioning Lowestoft as a dynamic and forward-looking commercial centre and community. By providing another route over Lake Lothing, the Gull Wing bridge will significantly ease traffic congestion in the town centre, shortening journey times and improving journey reliability. Modern cycle and pedestrian facilities on either side will encourage more sustainable modes of transport and better connect communities on the north and south of the waterway. The bridge is expected to attract new businesses and trade to the area, create new job opportunities and to streamline logistics and transportation – laying the foundation for continued growth in the town and surrounding area for many decades to come. Tristram Browne, Project Manager at Farrans, said: “Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft. We have been able to leave a lasting legacy not only with the completion of the bridge but also through our programme of social value and stakeholder engagement. During the delivery of this project we have employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships, volunteered on local community projects and donated significant sums to local charities. “We have brought the region on the journey of the bridge build with us, creating some memorable sights with the arrival of the bridge and bascule sections. It has been a pleasure to work on such a complex, technical project and we would like to thank the local community for their support.” A rolling road closure will be in effect on the morning of Sunday 8th September, as the Tour of Britain crosses the Gull Wing during their preliminary ride-out ahead of the final stage between Lowestoft and Felixstowe. The formal civic opening and naming ceremony for the bridge is set to take place on Tuesday 19th November. Additional details will be provided closer to the date. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals