A video showing the robot at work and interviews with the people behind the innovation is available here: https://youtu.be/xruGsFPV4Gw HS2 today unveiled the use of an innovative onboard robot that will improve safety and efficiency on the high speed rail project’s first two giant tunnelling machines, set to launch early
Major engineering milestone completed this weekend (24-25 October), as a 45 metre, 914 tonne modular bridge was driven into place over the A446 in Solihull. Designed in a virtual world, the bridge took only 45 minutes to be driven into place. The A446 has been reopened 24 hours earlier than
Work has now begun on the long-awaited £53m Poynton Relief Road. Local residents have welcomed the news, which following decades of campaigning to ease the burden of high traffic volumes and congestion in Poynton. Cheshire East Council’s contractor, Graham, is undertaking enabling works to clear parts of the site and
HS2 Ltd – the company delivering Britain’s new high speed rail network – and Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency – have today (Wednesday 21 October 2020) teamed up to drive innovation on Britain’s largest construction project. The Innovate at HS2 2020: Small Business Research Initiative is open to small and medium-sized firms who will receive support
HS2 awards contract for modular slab track system for Phase One and 2a New factory in Somerset, set to create up to 500 jobs HS2 today awarded a major contract to design and manufacture the modular track system for the UK’s new high speed railway, to a partnership which includes
Later this week, the plans for a replacement terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to be discussed by councillors. The airport submitted an application earlier this year for the construction of a three floor, 365,000 sq ft replacement terminal on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary. This
Move comes after “wave of applications to Part One beat all expectations” HS2 Ltd has today (Monday 17 August) launched the second tranche of recruitment to its Innovation Accelerator programme, following the overwhelming response to its first call out to tech start-ups and innovative SMEs earlier this year. The company
Spencer Group, the Hull-based rail infrastructure specialist, has completed a £30 million capacity enhancement works at Stevenage Station in Hertfordshire. The engineering business completed the works a year ahead of the scheduled opening, working with client Network Rail, end user Govia Thameslink Railway and other stakeholders. “We’re proud of our
Work to install a 65-metre bridge, spanning the width of the M42, was completed in just two days and ahead of schedule as the motorway reopened to road users today (9 August) 22 hours earlier than planned. The works near Interchange Station move Solihull a step closer to the arrival
Construction and civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has secured its first two contracts on Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) Western Route framework. The workload which will consist of asset renewals covering design and construction of all rail categories, including building and civil engineering, electrification, power, signalling telecommunications and track, is
A video showing the robot at work and interviews with the people behind the innovation is available here: https://youtu.be/xruGsFPV4Gw HS2 today unveiled the use of an innovative onboard robot that will improve safety and efficiency on the high speed rail project’s first two giant tunnelling machines, set to launch early next year. Pioneered by HS2’s main works contractor, Align, the Krokodyl robot is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and will be installed in the two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will be used to bore the 10 mile (16km) long Chiltern tunnels. The Krokodyl robot, working in a similar manner to the robotic arms used in a car factory production line, will carry out simple repetitive tasks – removing wooden spacers between tunnel segments and inserting connection dowels – that people would normally do. Each of the segments weighs up to eight tonnes and are delivered to the TBM with wooden spacers between them which are generally removed by hand. By fully automating this process, the Krokodyl removes the need for people to work in this potentially hazardous area and helps with the installation of the 112,000 tunnel segments. The tunnel segments are erected – as the TBM moves forward – in order to form a structural water tight ring designed to support the ground loads. A second feature of the robot, known as the Dobydo, then places the dowels into position ready for the segment to be slotted into place. Again, by automating this process, the robot reduces risk to people and improve safety and efficiency. The Align joint venture – a team made up of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick – built on their experience of delivering major tunnelling project across the world to develop the Krokodyl. Eddie Woods, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Tunnelling said: “Safety is a key priority for HS2 and the introduction of these innovations that essentially remove personnel from harm’s way, is an excellent example of the sort of initiatives we are pleased to see implemented on the project. It is one of the ways that ‘safe at heart’ can be achieved by minimising exposure in high risk locations.” Didier Jacques, Align’s Underground Construction Director said: “Safety is a key value that is shared by everyone working on HS2, including the client, Align itself and our supply chain partners. A lot of work has been undertaken by all concerned that has enabled us to develop and introduce this robot, thereby reducing the risk to our personnel, operating in our state of the art TBMs. We are very proud of these innovations which we would be happy to share with tunnelling teams working on other projects across the world, to help reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.” The two 2,000 tonne TBMs – named ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ – are due to be launched early next year from a site close to the M25. Both 170m long machines are specifically designed for the mix of chalk and flint they will encounter under the Chilterns. Operating a pioneering ‘continuous boring’ technique, they are expected to take around 3 years to excavate the 9.1m metre diameter tunnels which will be lined with a concrete ring made of seven separate segments as they go. The TBMs will convert the spoil into slurry which will be pumped back to the Align main site where it will be treated before being used for landscaping on-site, removing the need for additional HGVs on local roads.
Major engineering milestone completed this weekend (24-25 October), as a 45 metre, 914 tonne modular bridge was driven into place over the A446 in Solihull. Designed in a virtual world, the bridge took only 45 minutes to be driven into place. The A446 has been reopened 24 hours earlier than planned. Durham-based Cleveland Bridge manufactured and supplied 220 tonnes of steel girders for the bridge, while Expanded’s off-site manufacturing factory in Nottinghamshire provided 80 precast concrete modular abutment blocks. Video, time lapse and photos available here: The second of four bridges to be completed on the site of HS2’s new Interchange Station at the heart of the new high-speed network, this new bridge will carry the A452 and form part of a major remodelling of the local road network. This will improve the circulation of traffic around the UK’s new high-speed railway, integrating the existing network with the new Interchange Station. Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the Midlands site in September to mark the official start of construction for the HS2 project, and a further two bridges are nearing completion. Over 200 people are involved in this construction site, contributing to supporting jobs in the region. The bridge move was led by specialist engineering contractor Expanded and HS2 enabling works contractor, LMJV (Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture). Also supporting the hi-tech process, a design joint venture involving WSP and Ramboll provided engineering and environmental services. By applying advanced digital capabilities to design all elements of the structure in a virtual world, they determined that the A446 road bridge would be built using a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) strategy. After building the bridge in modular sections, the final part of this process was the 128-wheel hydraulic platform taking just 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150 metres, where it was lowered onto the DfMA abutment shells to complete the overall bridge structure. Traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures. HS2’s Delivery Director David Bennett said: “As work ramps up at one of HS2’s largest construction sites, it was fantastic to see this next milestone achieved so quickly. It was finished 24 hours ahead of schedule and follows hot on the heels of the installation of the bridge over the M42 in August, which was also completed early. We’re pleased to see innovations like this on the project dramatically reducing environmental impacts and disruption for road users. “With construction of the railway now well underway, 22,000 jobs being created and an estimated 400,000 supply chain contracts available, HS2 is playing a pivotal role in helping Britain’s economic recovery.” Jon England, DJV Project Director said: “Our successful partnership approach has led to the design and construction of HS2’s first permanent bridges including one over the M42, the A452 bridge over the A446, as well as two other bridges over what will be the main HS2 railway line adjacent to the new HS2 Interchange Station. “We are proud that through collaboration with LM JV, Highways England and local authorities, the application of 3D modelling techniques to align highways, earthworks, structures and utilities with the existing infrastructure and the innovative use of offsite manufacturing and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly techniques, we were able to safely deliver on this ground-breaking project.” LM Senior Project Manager Richard Fairhurst said: “Digital design, offsite manufacturing and modular components are the enablers of innovative construction methodology – they bring greater efficiency and safety to major infrastructure projects like this, and importantly, can save months on delivery schedules. That’s great news for clients, stakeholders and local communities alike. This is the future of bridge design and delivery.”
Work has now begun on the long-awaited £53m Poynton Relief Road. Local residents have welcomed the news, which following decades of campaigning to ease the burden of high traffic volumes and congestion in Poynton. Cheshire East Council’s contractor, Graham, is undertaking enabling works to clear parts of the site and prepare the ground for construction. The design and build contract was awarded in autumn 2019 to Graham, who have been undertaking detailed design and site surveys, including ecological surveys and the creation of new ecological habitat. The 3km road is expected to open to traffic in Autumn 2022. Funding for the £53m scheme was agreed by government earlier this year, following a successful bid by the council for local growth funding administered by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership. Poynton Relief Road will be a modern single carriageway. The relief road will also include two overbridge crossings for use by walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles. A 3.5-metre-wide combined cycle and footway will run beside the length of the route on the western side of the main carriageway. Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council said, “I am delighted that work has now begun on the long-awaited Poynton Relief Road. The council sees this scheme as a key priority in our major infrastructure plans to improve connections across the whole borough. “The Poynton Relief Road is a critical part of delivering our vision for sustainable economic growth and is another great example of how this council delivers high-quality infrastructure projects. It will create jobs, address the longstanding problems of congestion in and around Poynton and improve access to Macclesfield and other key strategic employment and visitor sites.” Transport Secretary, with cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse, Grant Shapps said: “It’s great to see work begin on yet another vital road upgrade in the North, delivering for the Northern Powerhouse and on our levelling-up commitment. This new road will cut congestion and pollution in Poynton, improve access to job opportunities and education and unlock plans for thousands of homes – benefiting residents, businesses and the wider region.” Leo Martin, managing director of civil engineering for Graham, said: “We are looking forward to beginning works on the new Poynton Relief Road and working with Cheshire East Council to develop this vital infrastructure for the village and wider region. “As well as reducing congestion in Poynton we will be providing a 3.5m-wide footpath and cycleway that will support cyclists and pedestrians as a greener option for travel. “I’ve no doubt this project will provide vast benefits to the Poynton and Macclesfield areas and will be the latest in a number of important transport infrastructure schemes we have been proud to deliver in recent years.” Cheshire East Council contributed £21m towards the cost of the scheme with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership providing £5.6m from the government’s Growth Deal and the Department for Transport providing £16.4m. A total of £7.7m is expected to come from developer contributions. For more information on the Poynton Relief Road and to read the latest updates, visit our website.
HS2 Ltd – the company delivering Britain’s new high speed rail network – and Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency – have today (Wednesday 21 October 2020) teamed up to drive innovation on Britain’s largest construction project. The Innovate at HS2 2020: Small Business Research Initiative is open to small and medium-sized firms who will receive support to put together research and development plans for their proposal. The scheme is looking to harness innovative ways to advance the digitalisation and automation on construction; improve efficiency; integrate and digitise the many interfaces of a construction project the size of HS2. Other innovations sought as part of this initiative include recruitment; and cost management and control. With the R&D phase beginning in March 2021, each of the 10 selected firms will have three months to demonstrate the desirability and feasibility of their solution and that their innovation has a viable business case. Commenting, HS2 Ltd innovation manager, Rob Cairns said: “Thousands of businesses right across Britain are already getting involved in HS2, benefiting from the project and creating jobs at a time when the country needs it most. “There are huge benefits to be reaped from innovating in the construction sector – not just for HS2’s delivery but also to provide a legacy of innovation benefitting future infrastructure projects. “HS2 encourages innovative small businesses to come forward with their ideas. We’ll help the chosen 10 firms to hone and develop their solutions and integrate with the HS2 supply chain, unlocking a route to market.” Simon Edmonds, Deputy Executive Chair and Chief Business Officer, Innovate UK, said: “HS2 has the potential to revolutionise Great Britain’s railway. It will connect commerce and communities, providing capacity and speed. It is right that such an innovative project should call upon the UK’s most innovative smaller companies in its delivery. Innovate UK can bring its unique ability to reach these enterprises and bring forward the best of British ideas.” Further details of the competition will be published at https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/708/overview Applications close on 16 December 2020.
HS2 awards contract for modular slab track system for Phase One and 2a New factory in Somerset, set to create up to 500 jobs HS2 today awarded a major contract to design and manufacture the modular track system for the UK’s new high speed railway, to a partnership which includes PORR UK Ltd and Aggregate Industries UK. The deal will see the slab track segments manufactured at a new factory near Shepton Mallet in Somerset helping to create up to 500 jobs over the life of the contract. The deal – worth £260m – will see the PORR consortium manufacture all of the track (excluding tunnels and some specialist structures) between London and Crewe, where HS2 joins the existing west coast mainline. Using a modular construction system known as Slab Track Austria, the concrete slab track will be manufactured offsite at a new purpose-built factory in Somerset before being transported to site. Once installed, the rails are then fitted onto the slab track. This type of system – which is used on several high speed railways across the world – will reduce maintenance costs and improve performance in comparison to traditional ballasted track. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “HS2 is designed to provide reliable high frequency, high capacity rail services for millions of people across the UK. Slab track will provide long-term value for money with lower maintenance costs and greater reliability and that’s why I’m pleased that today we are awarding that contract to the PORR consortium. “This award – and the announcement of the new factory at Somerset – is another example of how HS2 is already supporting companies across the UK, creating jobs and helping the economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic.” PORR is one of Austria’s leading engineering companies and one of the first companies in the world to develop a slab track system. PORR’s slab track system has been used to lay more than 780 kilometres of track worldwide – with its first stretch operating almost maintenance free since being laid in Langenlebern, Austria, in 1989. Aggregate Industries UK is one of Britain’s leading providers of construction materials, employing more than 3,700 people at 300 sites across the UK. The new factory is planned to be built at an existing Aggregate Industries site in Somerset. Simon Jukes, Managing Director of PORR UK Ltd said: “The PORR Consortium is delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this major contract and will bring a wealth of technical expertise and experience in high speed rail and slab track to the HS2 project. We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the HS2 team to deliver a world class sustainable rail infrastructure for the United Kingdom.” A separate Track Systems contractor – due to be appointed in 2022 – will have overall responsibility for managing and coordinating the design and installation of the complex rail systems in each section of the route. This includes the installation of the slab track manufactured by the PORR consortium and the interface with signalling and overhead power supply. Separate specialist contractors will also deliver the rails, switches and crossings, high voltage power supply, communications and mechanical and electrical systems.
Later this week, the plans for a replacement terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to be discussed by councillors. The airport submitted an application earlier this year for the construction of a three floor, 365,000 sq ft replacement terminal on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary. This would replace the existing building, built in 1965. The fact that this building has three Airport Floors is showing how the sector is rising upwards… The proposal aims to dramatically improve passenger experience, create one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings, and support the region’s economic prosperity. It would support a potential increase in LBA’s passenger numbers to seven million by 2032, form the current level of about four million. The airport has estimated that, as a result of the development, it will support 12,650 permanent jobs across the Leeds City Region, as well as creating 850 construction related jobs over the period of the build. LBA has also committed to a £4m Sustainable Travel Fund, which would be used to fund a range of sustainable travel measures and public transport improvements, particularly the new rail link off Scotland Road. A new dedicated bus terminal would be created at the front of the main entrance. The new proposal was first revealed in January 2020 and replaces a previously consented scheme. The project will be privately funded by LBA’s owner AMP Capital. A position statement on the plans will be considered by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel on 25 September. Members will be asked for their views on the project in areas including climate change, traffic and public transport, noise, air quality, health, design, landscaping, ecology and economic benefits. The council has received 1891 objections to the application, with concerns including the impact on the environment as well as issues surrounding highways, health and noise. MPs Alex Sobel, Hilary Benn, Richard Burgon, Fabian Hamilton and Rachel Reeves have also objected. “It would be totally wrong to allow the airport to double its greenhouse gas emissions in the middle of the climate emergency. In fact, expansion would mean that from 2030, the airport would pump out more greenhouse gas emissions than are allowed in the carbon budget for the whole of the rest of Leeds. And there’s no prospect of carbon free aircraft for decades,” said Chris Foren, chair of the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA). There have also been 1274 support letters, including backing from the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and airline KLM.
Move comes after “wave of applications to Part One beat all expectations” HS2 Ltd has today (Monday 17 August) launched the second tranche of recruitment to its Innovation Accelerator programme, following the overwhelming response to its first call out to tech start-ups and innovative SMEs earlier this year. The company behind Britain’s largest-ever transport infrastructure project is looking to recruit five more small firms with bright ideas on (i) how people can best spend time at stations before their train goes; and (ii) how to optimise digital solutions for building HS2 to make every second count. The winning five entrants will join the first cohort, chosen from 109 applications from the first recruitment programme, who will work on the challenges of: productivity; environment; and the circular economy. Ideas include 3D concrete printing and using automated drone technology to assist with the planting of seven million trees along the HS2 route. From today (17 August) an online application portal [https://www.innovationbham.com/high-speed-two-ltd-accelerator] will be open for one month, after which time HS2 Ltd will choose five of the companies entered to take forward on the Innovation Accelerator. The Accelerator will provide commercial and technical support and rent-free Birmingham-based working space to develop their proposal. After six months, solutions will be showcased and pitched to industry investors and HS2’s supply chain, which is made up of the thousands of suppliers. HS2 Ltd Head of Innovation, Howard Mitchell said: “We received over 100 applications from innovative tech start-ups and SMEs to join Cohort One of HS2’s Innovation Accelerator programme, which beat all our expectations. “The level of interest underlines the opportunity that HS2 offers to some of the most innovative and dynamic young firms in the country. “I’m therefore extremely positive about the prospects for Cohort Two, and new thinking on how we build Britain’s new high speed rail network, and enable passengers to make best use of their time in our stations. “ The Portal closes to applications on 18 September. HS2 will announce the successful enterprises in the autumn.
Spencer Group, the Hull-based rail infrastructure specialist, has completed a £30 million capacity enhancement works at Stevenage Station in Hertfordshire. The engineering business completed the works a year ahead of the scheduled opening, working with client Network Rail, end user Govia Thameslink Railway and other stakeholders. “We’re proud of our industry-leading capabilities on complex major rail infrastructure schemes and this project has been a prime example of our expertise and performance,” commented Joe Bennett, production director at Spencer Group. “We completed the design and build of this project using our multi-disciplinary experience, in-house capability and close partnerships with our specialist supply chain.” The works carried out by Spencer Group included constructing a 130m-long platform, complete with about two kilometres of new electrified track and signalling, to enable two additional services per hour into London King’s Cross from Stevenage. Long-distance trains can now use the Hertford Loop to connect to Stevenage Station without using existing timetable space on the East Coast Main Line, which, in turn, allows the two additional services into London. “The safe and secure way the team has adapted and re-planned the remaining works since the pandemic took effect is testament to the quality of the people working on this project and is representative of the approach seen over the past two years, throughout its design and delivery,” added Phil Daniel, Network Rail project manager.
Work to install a 65-metre bridge, spanning the width of the M42, was completed in just two days and ahead of schedule as the motorway reopened to road users today (9 August) 22 hours earlier than planned. The works near Interchange Station move Solihull a step closer to the arrival of HS2, Britain’s new low carbon high speed railway. In an engineering feat led by specialist engineering contractor, Expanded and HS2 enabling works contractor, LMJV (Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture), the 2,750-tonne bridge structure was carried along the motorway on a self-propelled modular transporter. The 448-wheel transporter took just one hour and 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150 metres, where it was affixed to a composite concrete deck to complete the overall bridge structure. Traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures. HS2 CEO Mark Thurston, was joined by Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, to observe the bridge being moved into place. Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd’s CEO said: “This new road bridge is the first permanent structure to be installed along the route of Britain’s new railway. Today represents an important milestone for the project and the West Midlands region – which is already benefiting from thousands of jobs and renewed investment as a result of HS2. “Constructing the bridge off site and using innovative engineering practices to install it over the motorway enabled us to carry out the work in just two days, keeping disruption to a minimum for road users”. The successful installation marks the completion of the first of four bridges to be built close to the new Interchange Station. It will form part of the major remodelling of the regional road network to improve the circulation of traffic around the HS2 railway line and connect the existing road network to the new Interchange Station. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Seeing major construction activity like this in Solihull is hugely encouraging as it shows HS2 is now truly underway. In just a few years, the HS2 station at Interchange and further investments in public transport will help make Solihull one of the best connected places in the UK. “Today’s work also comes at a critical time for the West Midlands, as we look to bounce back economically from the coronavirus crisis. Major infrastructure projects like HS2 have a critical role to play as they help stimulate demand and create and secure local jobs for local people”. Once complete HS2 will bring the West Midlands within an hour’s commute of Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, York and London, making it one of the most connected parts in the country. HS2 is already transforming the region, spearheading regeneration and economic investment in Birmingham and surrounding towns, including Solihull. HS2’s Interchange station is at the heart of the UK Central Hub growth area which will create 70,000 new and safeguarded jobs, up to 5,000 new homes and 650,000 square metres of commercial space. Andrew Stephenson MP, HS2 Minister, said “The installation of this innovative bridge across the M42, ahead of schedule and with minimum disruption, demonstrates our dedication to delivering this vital rail connection to the West Midlands as efficiently and as quickly as possible. “It’s an achievement of British construction and marks another step forward in this historic project, which will leave a legacy of better connections and regional growth for generations to come”. Companies from the Midlands and the North played a leading role in the construction of the deck components and supply of the 1,130 tonnes of steel plate girders and 1,610 tonnes of precast and insitu concrete. Simon Russell, LMJV project director, said: “This is British construction, design and engineering innovation at its finest. “Major components of the bridge and its supports were built offsite under safe, high quality conditions, then transported to site for assembly. Advanced digital capabilities allowed us to design all elements of the structure in a virtual world, before building it for real, and I am delighted that the work was completed safely and ahead of schedule”. Mr Thurston and the West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street were joined by Solihull MBC leader, Councillor Ian Courts; MP for Meriden, Saqib Bhatti; Maria Machancoses, Midlands Connect Director; and Nick Brown, Chair of the Urban Growth Company. The delegation joined forces to mark the engineering milestone, recognising it as an important first step in cementing the West Midlands’ status at the heart of the HS2 network. Further work in preparation for the arrival of HS2 is scheduled to take place later this year. A similar bridge placement will be installed over the A446, ahead of two more bridge structures being installed which will span the new high-speed railway line. Over 9,000 people and 2,000 UK businesses have been part of the HS2 journey so far, and it is estimated that the project will support at least another 20,000 roles as it hits peak construction. HS2 Ltd is currently recruiting for 300 people to join the team at its flagship Birmingham office, as main construction works start in earnest this summer. For more information about HS2’s live recruitment campaign or to complete a skills match assessment visit www.hs2.org.uk/hs2-and-you/
Construction and civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has secured its first two contracts on Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (CP6) Western Route framework. The workload which will consist of asset renewals covering design and construction of all rail categories, including building and civil engineering, electrification, power, signalling telecommunications and track, is part of the framework’s strategic plan to deliver 140,000 more trains every year by 2024. The framework runs for five years and can be extendable for a further three. The contract wins will see GRAHAM deliver works at Stocks Overbridge and the River Avon Evesham bridge and Kelston Park. Stocks Overbridge is a single span elliptical masonry road over rail arch structure between Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire. The project will involve the demolition of existing masonry arch to be replaced with a new superstructure which will be installed by GRAHAM’s project team over the course of three 30-hour rail possessions. River Avon Evesham bridge is a two-span rail underbridge spanning the river. The work involves structural repairs to both abutments and the central pier and scour protection works in the river with associated works. The second project at Kelston Park, which comprises a 1.75-mile-long embankment that is situated on the flood plain of the River Avon, is to install a cantilevering kingpost wall at the toe of the embankment on both sides of the railway. Network Rail’s Western route stretches from London Paddington to Penzance, through Bristol and up to the boundaries with Wales, Worcester and Basingstoke. It has re-organised into a Route-based delivery organisation, fully focused on customer outcomes. It is seeking to work with organisations that have the right culture, behaviours and ethics and are committed to delivering a safer, sustainable, better performing and more efficient railway. Leo Martin, Managing Director for the civil engineering division at GRAHAM, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded our first two schemes on the CP6 Western Framework and are determined to ensure they are delivered successfully in every respect to demonstrate our capabilities further in the rail sector. “Both GRAHAM and Network Rail are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace, one which recognises and respects differences between people and facilitates a culture which embraces innovation and change and where collaborative working practices are passed down through the entire supply chain, generating mutual benefit to the industry as a whole.” Leo added: “These contracts will build on the great work we have achieved so far on the Crossrail project and enhance our presence in the West of England on the back of our work at Marsh Barton in Exeter. They also provide the opportunity to develop our rail team further and increase our profile with Network Rail which is an important and very valued customer for GRAHAM.” Works will commence at both projects in August this year.