HS2 Ltd today began the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. The contract – worth up to £156m – will include the design, manufacture and delivery of
RLB UK continues to make tracks in the Midlands by commencing this week on the third phase of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s innovative Very Light Rail (VLR) project, having value engineered a £3m cost saving to the client. RLB UK has also played a key role in Coventry City Council’s
HS2’s first two giant Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have arrived in the UK and will be ready to start work on the UK’s largest infrastructure project early next year. The two enormous 2,000 tonne machines – named Florence and Cecilia – will now be meticulously reassembled, tested and commissioned, by an
Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is pleased to announce the completion of a £7million, 54,000 sq ft hangar and associated 15,500 sq ft workshop at Norwich International Airport for Rigby Group plc, owners of Regional City Airports. Ian Yallop, Chairman of SGP says: “Despite these being incredibly difficult times for
A new stainless steel and concrete bridge, the first of its kind in the UK, has opened to pedestrians and vehicles in Pooley Bridge, Cumbria. It replaces its 250-year-old stone predecessor, which was destroyed during severe flooding as a result of Storm Desmond in 2015. The new single-span bridge has
HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major
Skills shortfall: up to 120,000 additional people will be required over the next 5 – 10 years, with demand for skills peaking around 2025 An ageing workforce: over 28% of workers in the current rail workforce are over the age of 50 Failure to attract a diverse workforce: Only 16%
GRAHAM has reached a milestone on its Crossrail Ealing Broadway project, completing Phase One of the structural steelwork installation. The work involved the installation of approximately 120 tonnes of structural steel over consecutive weekend closures of the road. The contractor completed the installation using a 500-tonne crane that was configured
HS2 today issued an invitation to tender to five bidders in the running to design, deliver and maintain almost 300 state-of-the-art lifts and escalators for HS2’s four major new stations. The following bidders have been invited to tender for two separate packages covering lifts and escalators: Fujitec UK Ltd Kone
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX has invested over £600,000 into its UK rail network this year, to increase safety standards and reliability while providing opportunities to grow and enhance service levels. Improvements have been made to six of CEMEX’s railheads, including Dove Holes, Salford, Sheffield, Selby, Crawley and Cambridge.
HS2 Ltd today began the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. The contract – worth up to £156m – will include the design, manufacture and delivery of around 180 switches and crossings for Phase 1 and 2a of the project, with options to extend for further equipment to cover Crewe to Manchester in phase 2b as well as the maintenance depots. Designed to operate smoothly, reliably and safely at speeds of up to 360km/h and diverging speeds up to 230km/h, the switches and crossings will be a vital component of the HS2 track systems. The contract also includes around 77 rail expansion devices for track on viaducts and bridges. HS2 Ltd is running a separate procurement process to award four Track Systems contracts for the design and installation of the track and coordination of construction logistics. This will also include integration and installation of the switches and crossings. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, said: “The switches and crossings supplier will play a vital role in delivering the high-tech rail systems that will allow HS2 to run some of the world’s most reliable, fast and efficient high speed trains. “The launch of this new procurement contest is an important step towards appointing all the suppliers who will deliver the rail systems once the main civils work is complete. HS2 already supports more than 13,000 jobs across the UK and contracts like this will provide a real boost for employers across the supply chain, helping to support skills development and provide opportunities for years to come.” In order to reduce long term costs and improve performance, the track will be set onto concrete slabs instead of the ballast commonly used on the UK rail network. This approach – known as slab track – is commonly used on metro systems and some international high speed rail lines, and will allow for a higher frequency of service with reduced maintenance requirements. A contract to deliver the pre-cast slab track has recently been awarded to PORR UK Ltd which will see the slabs made at a new factory in Somerset. The news comes days after the launch of another, separate procurement completion for the station building systems for the Phase One stations. This framework contract – worth up to £47m – covers components and systems that will be common to all four stations. This includes: Public Address / Voice Alarm (PAVA); Fire Detection and Alarm System; Building Energy Management System (BEMS); Lighting Control System (LCS); Customer Information System (CIS); and Station Information Management System (SIMS). The Framework Supplier will also be expected to work collaboratively with HS2 Ltd and Phase One Station Contractors. A shortlist is expected to be announced in summer 2021 with contract award in early 2022. HS2 is running separate procurement competitions for the other elements of the rail systems, including overhead catenary, high voltage power supply, command and control systems, communications, mechanical and electrical systems, and the depot at Washwood Heath. Bidders for the switches and crossings contract are expected to be shortlisted in summer 2021, with the contracts to be awarded in 2022.
RLB UK continues to make tracks in the Midlands by commencing this week on the third phase of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s innovative Very Light Rail (VLR) project, having value engineered a £3m cost saving to the client. RLB UK has also played a key role in Coventry City Council’s recently securing almost £1.8m from the Getting Building Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire LEP. Appointed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Coventry City Council respectively, the RLB UK team is responsible for providing cost management and employer’s agent solutions on both projects, as well as supporting both councils in gaining funding for the pioneering transport technologies and associated transport schemes. Following commencement in September 2019, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has so far seen the successful completion of phase one – site preparation works, followed by the start of phase two – construction of Test Track 1 (TT1) which will complete in January 2021. The 2.2km single test track will be fundamental to the evaluation of VLR technology. Phase three of the project will deliver the new national innovation centre, overseen by the recently formed Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO). The objective is to create a new Very Light Rail industry, supporting the manufacture and uptake of lower cost VLR solutions across the UK. With Coventry City Council’s VLR demonstrator vehicle currently under assembly and expected to be delivered to Dudley early 2021, urban Very Light Rail systems takes a step closer to being implemented on the streets of towns and cities across the UK. Innovation partner Ingerop and Warwick Manufacturing Group have been appointed to design a revolutionary track system to reduce the track form depth of this light rail system, which in turn reduces costs. RLB has been working with Coventry City Council and their design partners to ensure these objectives are met. Andy Stamps, Head of Infrastructure for RLB UK comments, “The Very Light Rail programme is far more than just a way of connecting people. What this technological advancement does, is allow us across the UK to build transportation systems that deliver far greater value, without the traditional impact on the environment they occupy. This will bring accessibility and encourage social mobility to areas where the cost of other solutions prohibits investment. We are delighted to be involved in such innovative projects and ones that will surely shape the way we provide sustainable transportation solutions – not only in the UK but worldwide.” Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said: “The Very Light Rail test track and national innovation centre is a key project for our borough. The new facility will develop innovative ways to reduce the weight and cost of railcars and track for a more affordable alternative to traditional rail and Metro transport. “The world’s eyes will be on Dudley as we work with partners to develop very light rail projects, which will revolutionise light rail technology globally. I’m looking forward to this project moving quickly through to delivery.” Nick Mallinson, Chief Executive of the BCIMO continues “this initiative is about developing a new form of low-cost rail based transport which will be manufactured and installed by UK companies and in particular supported by manufacturing companies in Dudley and the wider Black Country. We are pleased to be working closely with RLB who are demonstrating great vision and foresight in their involvement in the project.” Nicola Small, VLR Programme Manager at Coventry City Council comments “We opted to appoint RLB for our quantity surveying requirements due to their breadth of experience in the VLR field, their innovative approach, and their favourable and competitive rates. We have been delighted with their input into the VLR programme – it’s refreshing to work alongside innovative thinkers with a desire to solve complex problems by thinking laterally.”
HS2’s first two giant Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have arrived in the UK and will be ready to start work on the UK’s largest infrastructure project early next year. The two enormous 2,000 tonne machines – named Florence and Cecilia – will now be meticulously reassembled, tested and commissioned, by an expert team of tunnelling engineers, before they start work on the high speed rail project’s first tunnels. The 10-mile-long ‘twin bore’ Chiltern tunnel will be the longest on the project, the first to start construction, with the TBMs set to be underground, working 24/7 for more than three years. Welcoming the news, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston said: “The launch of our first tunnelling machines will be a defining moment in the history of HS2 – and our work to deliver a high speed railway that will offer a low-carbon alternative for journeys across the UK. “Construction is now well underway, with more than 13,000 jobs supported by the project, both directly and in our UK-wide supply chain. The arrival of Florence and Cecilia is a major step forward and our expert team will now work to assemble, test and commission them before their launch next year.” Designed specifically for the mix of chalk and flints under the Chilterns, the two identical TBMs will dig separate tunnels for north and southbound trains, with Florence set to launch first and Cecilia to follow a few weeks behind. Each machine operates as a self-contained underground factory, which as well as digging the tunnel, will also line it with concrete wall segments and grout them into place as it moves forward at a speed of 15 meters a day. Each tunnel will require 56,000 segments – which will all be made on site. A crew of 17 people will operate each TBM, working in shifts to keep the machines running 24/7. They will be supported by over 100 people on the surface, managing the logistics and maintaining the smooth progress of the tunnelling operation. These first two TBMs will be operated by HS2’s main works contractor, Align – a joint venture formed of three international infrastructure companies: Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. Align Project Director Daniel Altier commented: “Now that the parts have arrived the detailed job of assembling and commissioning the machines has begun. “There are also considerable other activities continuing on our site to prepare for the launch of Florence and Cecilia next year. This includes the construction of a factory that will manufacture the concrete segments to be used to line the tunnel and a slurry treatment plant that will process material from the tunnels.” The Align Joint Venture expects to recruit 1,200 vacancies, with over 100 opportunities for apprentices. They plan to target their recruitment and investment in upskilling local people who are currently unemployed, with a particular focus on women, under 25s and those with disabilities. This is another great example of the vital role HS2 continues to play in the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs to protect, support and create employment, which has helped millions of people to continue to provide for their families over the past eight months of the COVID-19 crisis. Built by Herrenknecht, a world leader in TBM manufacturing, at its factory in south-west Germany, the two 170m long machines were transported to the UK in more than 300 separate shipments over the course of two months, with the parts now safely delivered to the Align Chiltern tunnel site, to the west of London just inside the M25. The names of the two TBMs were suggested by students at Meadow High School in Hillingdon and The Chalfonts Community College, Buckinghamshire, which are close to the tunnel launch site. They were inspired by Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern medicine, and pioneering astronomer and astrophysicist, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin. Around 4,500 people from across the UK took part in the poll to select the final names, with Florence taking 40% of the vote and Cecilia a close second with 32%.
Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is pleased to announce the completion of a £7million, 54,000 sq ft hangar and associated 15,500 sq ft workshop at Norwich International Airport for Rigby Group plc, owners of Regional City Airports. Ian Yallop, Chairman of SGP says: “Despite these being incredibly difficult times for aviation, project completions such as this showcase the strength and diversity of regional airports. These flexible spaces will meet current and future engineering needs as well as supporting Norwich Airport’s masterplan to maintain its position as a leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.” The buildings will accommodate the expansion of KLM UK engineering group, with the double bay hangar designed to service two Airbus A320 aircraft. The workshop is 7.5m to its haunch and the hangar 13.1m haunch, constructed using a Twin-Therm wall system and Euroclad cladding in standard goosewing grey, profiled to break up any interference with the ground radar system. Ian states: “This is an important milestone for SGP. Although we have worked on several masterplans and designs for other regional and national airports, this is the first building to reach completion. In these tough times, we remain committed to using our technical knowledge and expertise in this sector to support the sustained recovery of the aviation industry in the months and years to come.”
A new stainless steel and concrete bridge, the first of its kind in the UK, has opened to pedestrians and vehicles in Pooley Bridge, Cumbria. It replaces its 250-year-old stone predecessor, which was destroyed during severe flooding as a result of Storm Desmond in 2015. The new single-span bridge has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and is in keeping with its location in Ullswater on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Hanson UK worked with contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd to create a bespoke concrete mix for the lower arch of the steel bridge, designed and constructed to provide structural strength, and also supplied and laid the asphalt to complete the project. The steelwork for the new bridge was manufactured off-site in two sections, fabricated and welded on an adjacent piece of land, where the concrete lower arch was installed to allow the whole structure to be lifted into place over the River Eamont. The high early strength concrete mix included Hanson Regen GGBS (ground granulated blastfurnace slag), a cement replacement product which enhances the durability of the concrete while adding to its sustainability credentials. It is a by-product and using it to replace one tonne of Portland cement reduces the embodied CO2 of the concrete by around 780kg. Its use in large pours also helps minimise the production of heat, reducing the risk of thermal cracking. In total 1,200 cubic metres of concrete containing Regen have been supplied by Hanson’s nearby Penrith concrete plant to create the lower arch, bridge deck, bridge abutment and walls, highway approach retaining walls and several temporary works. “Concrete supply to this project was always going to be a challenge due to the location, unique characteristics of the bridge and the tight deadline,” said Nick Graham, technical sales officer at Hanson Concrete. Technical services manager Terry Balmer added: “Our technical team was involved early in the design stage due to the complex concrete requirements, especially for the high-quality visual concrete that makes up the deck composite, and this partnership working was fundamental to the success of the project.” To complete the project, Hanson supplied 275 tonnes of asphalt from its nearby plant at Shap, which was laid by the company’s specialist contracting team. This included 130 tonnes of Tufflex, chosen for its durability and high resistance to cracking, for the surface course. In addition to the complex nature of the bridge, the final abutment work, concrete arch and composite deck – as well as the asphalt – were all supplied under the added pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated issues entailed with furloughed staff and social distancing protocols.
HS2 invites contractors to bid for first major civils work north of the West Midlands £50m early works package signals new progress on delivering the benefits of high speed rail further north Separate ground investigation contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Today HS2 invited companies to tender for the first major works contracts to be awarded on Phase 2a of the project and confirmed the latest ground investigation work package award. Linking Birmingham to Crewe, Phase 2a will carry trains bound for destinations such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the north west, speeding up overall journey times and freeing up space on the existing network. Known as ‘Early Civils Work – Package 2’ (ECW2), the new £50m programme includes a range of enabling works designed to reduce disruption during the main build stage of the project. This includes major highways works and associated utility diversions as well as a range of environmental and other surveys along the 58km route. The works will be the first major preparatory activity to be carried out for Britain’s new high speed rail line beyond its first phase, which is now being built between the West Midlands and London. HS2 has already begun a detailed programme of ground investigation along the 2a route and today also confirmed that the latest package – worth £25-30m – has been awarded to Balfour Beatty. Data from this, and previous geological investigations, will inform ongoing design development. Once complete, HS2’s Phase One and 2a will significantly reduce journey times between the capital, north west England and Scotland with services joining the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. This will allow shortened high speed train journeys, including: Glasgow – Euston will be 3hr 45min, saving 44mins Liverpool – Euston will be 1hr 34min, saving 39mins Manchester – Euston will be 1hr 29min, saving 36mins Crewe – Euston will be 53min, saving 34mins Alongside speeding up journey times, the new infrastructure will also free up capacity on the existing network for more local trains and freight by rail. This could see services rise from hourly to half-hourly or better between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent to Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield and Rugeley, as well as more services from Crewe and Runcorn into Liverpool, as well as via Crewe between North Wales, Chester and London. The ECW2 package will awarded via the government’s existing Construction Works and Associated Services framework, streamlining the procurement process, benefitting HS2 and potential bidders with contracts expected to be awarded in early 2021. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “The winner of this contract will play a vital role in delivering the next stage of Britain’s new high speed railway, taking the route north from Birmingham to Crewe and by using the government’s existing framework we hope to streamline the procurement process.” “HS2’s Phase 2a represents a massive opportunity for businesses in the north of England and across the UK in the short term, and in the longer term it will speed up journeys for trains bound for places like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and the North West, and release much-needed extra capacity on the existing mainline.” Draft legislation to seeking powers to build operate and maintain HS2 phase 2a are currently proceeding through Parliament. Royal Assent is anticipated during the winter.
Skills shortfall: up to 120,000 additional people will be required over the next 5 – 10 years, with demand for skills peaking around 2025 An ageing workforce: over 28% of workers in the current rail workforce are over the age of 50 Failure to attract a diverse workforce: Only 16% of the rail workforce is female and nearly one in four women (24%) would consider a career in rail New research by City & Guilds and the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) paints a stark picture for the future of the rail workforce, with skills shortages set to escalate significantly in the sector over the next five years. With major rail infrastructure projects due to be announced next week as part of the long anticipated National Infrastructure Strategy, the Back on Track report – which includes findings from research undertaken by YouGov[1] and data from NSAR on 242,000 workers in the rail industry – reveals that there is potential for these to create a new lease of life for the UK economy through new jobs and economic growth. However, serious systemic issues in the industry’s talent and skills pipeline, have created a shortage of trained and talented employees, just when the industry needs them most. While the industry has made progress in addressing these issues – which include a short-term approach to skills development, an ageing workforce and a reliance on overseas and ‘third-tier’ workers – greater industry collaboration is needed to fix them in time to meet this additional demand. The research finds that the rail sector is set to lose huge numbers of skilled workers over the next few years. With 28% of workers in the industry aged over 50, this means some 15,000 workers could be due to retire by 2025. Meanwhile, Brexit is set to exacerbate this issue, potentially reducing access to overseas workers. From 2016 to 2018, the proportion of EU workers in the rail sector dropped from 17% to 15% – and this declining trend is expected to continue. As a result of this talent and skills shortfall coinciding with new rail projects that will heighten the demand for skills, between 7,000 and 12,000 additional people will be required every year by the industry over the next five to ten years – up to 120,000 people in total. And with modelling showing peak demand around 2025, people must be recruited now to equip them with the relevant skills and experience to meet future demand. But, as highlighted by in the new report, a lack of upskilling opportunities and perceived reputational problems mean that the industry continues to struggle to attract and train candidates, with just a third (32%) of respondents saying they would consider a career in the rail sector. This is particularly acute amongst women, young adults and people from BAME backgrounds: Just 16% of the current rail workforce is female and only 24% of women would consider a career in rail, compared to 41% of men 26% of 18-24-year olds say they would consider a career in rail, compared to 39% of 35-44-year olds 27% of BAME people would consider working in rail, compared to 32% of white people. Martin Hottass, Managing Director – Technical Training at City & Guilds Group, commented: “The UK rail industry is on the cusp of leading a once-in-a-generation infrastructure revolution, with the potential to create thousands of high quality jobs across the country at a time when they are needed most. However, the dual blow of Brexit and a retirement cliff edge, in addition to systemic issues around growing and retaining skills, means unless Government, employers and industries work together to urgently addresses these issues, they risk scuppering this golden opportunity. It’s clear that greater collaboration will be key to increasing awareness of opportunities in the sector, and ensuring that rail projects are committed to creating lifelong learning opportunities.“ Neil Robertson, CEO at the National Skills Academy for Rail, commented: “The rail industry’s lack of diversity and perception by younger people, are well known, but less well understood – and while many people in the industry are already working to recruit and upskill a more diverse workforce, it’s by shedding a light on these issues that we can understand the solutions that will truly make an impact. Now, as we look to invest in new talent in to fill future skills gaps in the rail industry, it’s also clear that we can use this opportunity improve social mobility across the UK. By hiring people from different backgrounds and regions and providing them with quality skills and career progression, we can ensure that these infrastructure projects not only create jobs, but also promote positive socioeconomic change.” The report found that this disinterest in careers in rail could be largely fuelled by misperception and a lack of awareness and understanding about the wide range of career opportunities and roles in the sector – pointing to a basic need to educate a wider pool of people about the potential jobs available to them. Of those who said that they wouldn’t consider working in the rail industry, 42% said they don’t know enough or anything about careers in the sector, whilst 35% said they don’t have the skills needed to get in the sector. City & Guilds and NSAR are calling on the rail sector and Government to collaborate and take a joined-up approach to urgently gear up the industry’s skills and talent pipelines, before it’s too late. The seven key recommendations outlined in the report are: Build lifelong learning commitments into project specifications for national rail projects – starting with apprenticeships Transform the rail industry into a career destination, especially for young people Develop strong career paths to attract and retain talent and maximise productivity Make mid-career entry to the industry and skills-transfer more frictionless Build greater participation at a local / regional level Government and relevant partners should consider a perception and awareness raising campaign Utilise the Green agenda to attract a new generation of people to the industry The full report is available here.
GRAHAM has reached a milestone on its Crossrail Ealing Broadway project, completing Phase One of the structural steelwork installation. The work involved the installation of approximately 120 tonnes of structural steel over consecutive weekend closures of the road. The contractor completed the installation using a 500-tonne crane that was configured to sit directly over the site’s bridge piers over the existing rail network. The first phase of the canopy steelwork at Ealing Broadway is now complete and roofing is now underway. Discussing the latest works, John Deery, project manager for GRAHAM, said: “We’re making good progress at the Ealing Broadway site. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation, construction work is permitted to continue and we are working while following the Government’s guidelines carefully, to protect both our staff and the public. “The canopy steelwork is now complete following our installation last weekend. Inside the station, the internal walls are now 80% complete and Stannah lift installation have begun. The curtain walling to the link bridge is now complete between Platforms 1 and 2, whilst work on the mechanical and electrical infrastructure is ongoing. “Last weekend’s installation was a significant milestone in the first phase of works and I’d like to thank the public for their patience while we completed these works, and congratulate the team for its hard work on a successful delivery.” As part of the work on the Crossrail project, GRAHAM is significantly remodelling Ealing Broadway station, extending the platforms at the station to accommodate the new Elizabeth line trains. This is one of three stations the company is constructing on the project, with works also at an advanced state at Acton Mainline and West Ealing. With passenger numbers expected to increase when the Elizabeth line fully opens, the upgraded Ealing Broadway station will benefit from improved passenger flow and enhanced accessibility with lifts and footbridges that will bring step free access to all its platforms serving the Elizabeth line.
HS2 today issued an invitation to tender to five bidders in the running to design, deliver and maintain almost 300 state-of-the-art lifts and escalators for HS2’s four major new stations. The following bidders have been invited to tender for two separate packages covering lifts and escalators: Fujitec UK Ltd Kone Plc Otis Ltd Schindler Ltd Thyssenkrupp Elevator UK Ltd Around 160 lifts and 130 escalators will be installed across the project, helping hundreds of thousands of people access HS2 trains every day. All the new stations in London and Birmingham will be zero carbon in terms of day-to-day operation, and fully accessible, with step-free access from street to train. Placed end to end, the escalators would stretch more than 3km – longer than the Forth Rail Bridge. The longest escalators will be at Old Oak Common, in west London, which will take passengers 13.5m up from the subsurface platforms to concourse level. In total, the new station – where HS2 meets Crossrail services to Heathrow and the West End of London – will boast more than 50 lifts and escalators. Three of HS2’s new stations will be built to the highest industry standard – ‘BREEAM Excellent’ – in terms of sustainable lifetime performance, with Birmingham Interchange set to achieve the higher level of ‘BREEAM Outstanding’. Energy efficient lifts and escalators are a key part of achieving these ambitious environmental standards. Once complete, HS2 will more than double capacity along Britain’s main north-south rail routes and halve many journey times between London, Birmingham and the major cities of the north. This new dedicated high speed route will free up more space for local and freight services on the current mainline out of Euston and offer an environmentally friendly form of transport for long distance passengers. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, said: “This invitation to tender is a key step forward in the delivery of HS2’s four iconic new railway stations. The lifts and escalators our partners go on to deliver will be at the heart of the operation, moving hundreds of thousands of people every day and helping us to ensure seamless journeys for everyone.” The contract is divided into two separate packages for lifts worth up to £267m and escalators worth up to £198m, with the winners appointed to frameworks. This flexible approach allows for potential changes in the number of lifts and escalators ordered as station designs are finalised. Contracts are expected to be awarded next year and the value includes maintenance for 20 years.
Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX has invested over £600,000 into its UK rail network this year, to increase safety standards and reliability while providing opportunities to grow and enhance service levels. Improvements have been made to six of CEMEX’s railheads, including Dove Holes, Salford, Sheffield, Selby, Crawley and Cambridge. In particular, nearly £400,000 was spent at the Dove Holes railhead, located in Buxton, Derbyshire. As part of the enhancements to this site, an extension was made to the rail loading wall to increase the shovel loading and storage capacity, alongside track working improvements which will provide more flexibility to the operation at this site. “As a result of the investment into our rail network this year we have been able to grow volumes and make our service more reliable, which in turn has halved our unplanned outage costs and incidents,” said David Hart, CEMEX’s Supply Chain Director for UK & France. “These developments will also ensure our railheads lead the industry for safety standards and are more robust. Rail is an integral part of CEMEX UK’s supply chain network and we are committed to increasing our service further, capitalising on the time, capacity and efficiency benefits this form of transport offers.” This investment is part of a rolling four-year development programme, with plans in place to spend similar amounts each year. In particular, in 2021 the Supply Chain team expects to make further improvements at CEMEX’s Selby and Sheffield railheads.