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
Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation,
HS2 Ltd has strengthened its future talent pool, welcoming a total of 44 new starters to its 2024 early careers programme. The intake of 26 graduates and 18 apprentices have joined the company across multiple office and site locations between the West Midlands and London. They join teams responsible for
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
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
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
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
Balfour Beatty VINCI’s construction of HS2’s gateway to Birmingham takes a leap forward as the huge 125-metre-long tunnel boring machine (TBM) digging the first bore of the Bromford Tunnel reaches the halfway point. The 1,600 tonne TBM, named ‘Mary Ann’ – the real name of Warwickshire-born author George Eliot –
Last July after public reports of defects in the Otley Bridge walkway, Leeds City Council urgently investigated whether further repairs were necessary. After the specialist contractors inspected the underside of the current footway it found further hidden defects, leading to understand that these problems were more widespread and the decision
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, have been given the green light to build the UK’s first vertiport testbed for the electric air taxi industry. The application for the new vertiport
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
Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation, including Asset and Project Delivery Director, where she was responsible for the adoption of digital asset management and driving further innovation across the business. Most recently, Louise has held the role of Interim Managing Director at CPS focusing on further digital transformation, predictable delivery and long term maintenance decision making across the business. Louise was instrumental in introducing the digital twin of the M25 in 2020 – a ground-breaking technology which produces highly accurate geo-referenced 2D and 3D outputs, providing over 23 billion data points in the process. The digital mapping of 120 miles of road provides Connect Plus Services with more detailed information to aid planning and decision-making, ultimately reducing the need for physical surveys to be carried out in a live highways environment; therefore improving safety too. Prior to joining Connect Plus Services she enjoyed a successful career at Costain, the Environment Agency and National Highways, working on schemes including The Hungerford Bridge in London and the Folkestone to Cliff Edge Coastal Protection Scheme in Kent. Today’s announcement is testament to Connect Plus Services commitment to attracting, training, and retaining its employees to harness the creativity and innovation of a diverse range of people. Louise Haining, Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, said: “I am delighted to take the helm as Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, leading an incredibly talented team on the M25 – one the UK’s busiest motorways. “My focus will remain on data as a strategic imperative to prioritise decision making so that we keep the M25 safe and fit for purpose, whilst also continuing to identify ways of reducing delays and improving journey time reliability for the travelling public.” Phil Clifton, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Highways business said: “Louise has worked with us for many years and has demonstrated time and again, the leadership qualities she possesses. “I look forward to seeing her flourish in her new role as Managing Director and seeing her wealth of knowledge and expertise drive our asset management capability to deliver value through more predictable and safer journeys.” Connect Plus Services brings together the collective expertise from Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis, with responsibility for operating and maintaining the 250-mile M25 motorway network, including routine maintenance, winter maintenance, and managing the whole-life requirement of the network including five tunnels and 2,500 structures such as bridges, culverts, and overhead gantries. Connect Plus Services operates and maintains the network on behalf of Connect Plus – a consortium including Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Investments Partners – which has a 30-year contract with National Highways through a private finance initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 Ltd has strengthened its future talent pool, welcoming a total of 44 new starters to its 2024 early careers programme. The intake of 26 graduates and 18 apprentices have joined the company across multiple office and site locations between the West Midlands and London. They join teams responsible for disciplines including project management, engineering, cyber security, procurement and surveying. Lasting up to two years, HS2 Ltd’s early careers courses are designed to provide participants with a breadth of business knowledge and construction-based experience – combining on-the-job training with portfolio-based learning. Karen Davis, Head of People Development at HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that our 44 new starters have chosen to begin their careers with HS2. They join us from a variety of backgrounds – from school and university leavers, to people who were looking for a change in career direction. “On-the-job learning through apprenticeships and graduate opportunities are invaluable in attracting and shaping the workforce of the future. As we continue ahead with peak construction, there has never been a more exciting time to jump on board with HS2.” Alongside their graduate or apprenticeship scheme, the new starters will also benefit from dedicated training and development aimed at boosting the core skills and behaviours needed in any business, such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, innovation, resilience and presentation skills. 25-year-old Harry Fellows, from Solihull, is a project management graduate trainee. He said: “I am looking forward to getting involved in a project which will benefit the nation both socially and economically. I am excited to play my part in facilitating the project’s completion, no matter how big or small that part may be. “I am also excited to undertake my professional career with HS2 and the graduate scheme, helping to further develop myself personally and professionally whilst benefiting HS2 itself.” 23-year-old Maya Marmorato, from Greater London, is studying an apprenticeship in project management. She said: “I joined HS2 because of its visions and goals to increase travel capacity and reduce journey times across our country. “If HS2 had been established during my upbringing, it would have significantly changed our lives. Joining HS2 is an honourable opportunity to create value for the future.” Since the HS2 early careers programme began in 2017, 33 graduates and 66 apprentices have gone on to successfully secure permanent jobs helping to build Britain’s new railway. This adds to the 2,000 apprenticeships which are due to be created across HS2 Ltd and its supply chain over the lifecycle of the project. HS2, which is due to open between 2029 and 2033, is now at peak construction. More than 31,000 people and 3,200 UK businesses are currently supporting the delivery of the new high-speed rail line. Once operational, HS2 will almost halve the journey time between London Euston and Birmingham to just 49 minutes – with trains running further north via the existing rail network to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. HS2 Ltd’s annual early careers recruitment drive will begin again in January 2025. For more information about the career opportunities available with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/ 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
Balfour Beatty VINCI’s construction of HS2’s gateway to Birmingham takes a leap forward as the huge 125-metre-long tunnel boring machine (TBM) digging the first bore of the Bromford Tunnel reaches the halfway point. The 1,600 tonne TBM, named ‘Mary Ann’ – the real name of Warwickshire-born author George Eliot – has excavated and built 1.75 miles of the first bore of the tunnel since it started digging from a large underground box in Water Orton last year. Driving around 40 metres underground towards Washwood Heath in Birmingham, the TBM has excavated under the Park Hall Nature Reserve and River Tame and is now passing under Castle Vale. It will continue adjacent to and under the M6 before breaking through at Washwood Heath early next year. An expert tunnelling team have been working around the clock on shifts to operate the TBM, which also builds the tunnel as it excavates. A total of 20,797 concrete segments will be put in place by the machine, making 2,971 concrete rings to form the tunnel. The tunnel’s 47-metre-deep ventilation shaft at Castle Vale marks the halfway point of the TBM. The shaft, which is 18.6 metres in diameter, will feature cross passages which will eventually link to the two tunnels either side to provide ventilation, servicing and emergency access. A ‘headhouse’ will be built on top of the shaft, and the whole structure will be complete in 2027. ‘Elizabeth’, the second TBM – named after Dame Elizabeth Cadbury by local school pupils, started building the tunnel’s second bore in March 2024 and is due to finish her journey towards the end of 2025. The two TBMs will remove 1.87 million tonnes of excavated material, which is being sifted at the on-site slurry treatment plant and reused on nearby sites at the Delta Junction, where a complex network of 13 viaducts is being built. HS2 has built dedicated roads between these construction sites, including an access off the M6/M42 link roads, in order to take lorries off public roads. In preparation for the arrival of the TBMs at Washwood Heath, a huge earthworks operation has been completed by a team of 130 people to build the tunnel’s west portal, which at 22 metres below ground is the deepest of the four tunnel portals on the Midlands section of the HS2 route. The portal is at the start of a 750-metre-long cut and cover structure, which is currently being excavated and built. This is where HS2 trains will emerge from the Bromford Tunnel and travel below ground level, before raising up onto a series of viaducts through Birmingham’s industrial heartland and into Curzon Street Station. Jules Arlaud, Tunnelling Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Reaching the halfway point on this complex stretch of the HS2 route into Birmingham is a great milestone for our 180-strong tunnelling team. “We’re looking ahead now to delivering the final stages of tunnelling and celebrating the breakthrough of both TBMs at Washwood Heath next year.” Steve Powell, HS2’s Head of Delivery said: “We’re now at peak construction in the West Midlands, and it’s great to celebrate the halfway point for the ‘Mary Ann’ tunnel drive into Birmingham. By the end of next year, both of these tunnels will be built, marking a significant step in HS2’s construction in the region. “Around 31,000 people are working on HS2, with around a third of these in the West Midlands including 615 apprentices and over 1,650 people who were previously unemployed, providing a unique opportunity for local people to learn new skills while delivering the UK’s largest construction programme.” Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Hodge Hill and Solihull North said: “The extraordinary tunnelling under Water Orton and Birmingham is a world-class bit of engineering which would have made Matthew Bolton and James Watt proud. What is more, there are now more local residents working on the project than ever before. “HS2 is going to transform the economy of Birmingham and the West Midlands and the first trains will be running in just a few years’ time. What is now needed is the same genius that there is in this power of engineering to help us figure out how to bring down costs and drive up the economic benefits to the city and to Solihull.” The specialist tunnelling teams are from UK firm Tunnelcraft, and Solihull-based Rorcon, with a total of ten apprentices including formerly unemployed people from the local area who now have jobs on the project. Once complete, HS2 services will run between London and the West Midlands on a dedicated high-speed line before linking reaching destinations further north via the existing West Coast Main Line. It will provide significantly more efficient and faster journeys, while relieving pressure on the most congested southern end of the West Coast Main Line, allowing more local and freight trains to operate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last July after public reports of defects in the Otley Bridge walkway, Leeds City Council urgently investigated whether further repairs were necessary. After the specialist contractors inspected the underside of the current footway it found further hidden defects, leading to understand that these problems were more widespread and the decision to replace the footway. The council plan to install a temporary footbridge to allow residents with easy access to both sides of the river, whilst construction of a new footbridge takes place on the main bridge. This temporary bridge will be found a short distance to the east of Otley Bridge and link to Tittybottle Park. Otley Bridge is an ancient seven span stone bridge and Scheduled Ancient Monument, which is almost 800 years old and carries the B6451 over the River Wharfe, which links two halves of Otley town. In the 1950s a cantilevered pedestrian concrete walkway was added to improve safety, as traffic use grew. It is this walkway which is falling into disrepair with holes in the footway being covered by deck boards and rolling programme of inspections ahead of its replacement. Specialist contractor Balfour Beatty were appointed to look at solutions for bridge replacement and traffic management of the works. Initial work looked at all the options which saw pedestrians being diverted into the carriageway and single lane with temporary traffic lights for vehicular traffic. It was felt that any traffic restrictions in Otley town centre would be too disruptive, so a further contingency was developed to provide a separate temporary pedestrian crossing to enable the current traffic layout to be kept. If the council does not address the footbridge problems the deterioration will continue, with current mitigation finally becoming inadequate. This will eventually need a full closure of the walkway to pedestrians on safety grounds, and a lengthy pedestrian diversion or disruptive traffic lights to facilitate pedestrians on the road bridge. Initial activity is subjected to constraints of the site along a residential street and the geography. This will include some tree and vegetation clearance on the southern side of the river to create a temporary working area and launch site for initial piling works and to position a crane that will lift the bridge sections into place. In the park on the northern side minor works will also need to be carried out for creating a temporary abutment for the footbridge and to divert utility services. After the scheme, the council will plant several semi-mature trees for any tree which can’t be replaced like for like. The council will write to residents who live nearest the work site to further explain the works, and provide regular progress updates over the duration of the scheme. Residents and businesses will also be able to speak to the project team at the Otley Community Hub on Nelson Street, starting in September on the following day/times: Tuesday 10 – 11am and Friday 1pm – 3pm. Subject to the weather, the scheme is anticipated to be completed during autumn 2025. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Otley Bridge is an ancient crossing in the centre of the town. For pedestrian safety we now urgently need to demolish and replace the footway to modern standards, after coming to the end of its useful life. The new temporary footbridge will allow these works to Otley footbridge to be carried out safely, with less disruption to vehicle flow across the town and which will continue to enable people to cross the river safely. “The council considered a range of options which needed to factor for disruption, cost and timing of the works limited by planning, ecology and by the Environment Agency. By starting the construction of the temporary bridge now, means that the process of replacing the existing footbridge can start in spring next year. Unfortunately, there will be the need for some short-term disruption for access and noise, as we prepare the site for construction, especially to allow crane access to the site. “Vital work like this always involves disruption and best efforts are being done to minimise any as much as possible. However, I know that it will still be inconvenient for people, and I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience whilst we do this urgent work. The urgency requires some short-term inconvenience to construct the temporary bridge to continue to allow this vital crossing in the town. “We will keep residents regularly updated as the works progress and have set up a website (https://otleybridge.commonplace.is/) with information about the project, along with plans and timescales. The council will work closely with our contractor to make good progress over the months ahead, working towards an expected completion of the temporary bridge in spring 2025 and access to the new Otley footbridge in late summer 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, have been given the green light to build the UK’s first vertiport testbed for the electric air taxi industry. The application for the new vertiport to be built at Bicester Motion as part of its strategy to continue to be at the forefront of flight to welcome past, present and future technologies to its airfield, has been approved by local planning authority Cherwell District Council. The vertiport, positioned adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways, will continue the airfield’s long history of aerospace innovation. It will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal which will be a critical facility for testing ground infrastructure and flight operations and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero-emissions aviation through electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. New designs have been unveiled to showcase Vertical Aerospace’s latest VX4 prototype which will be the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to fly at the Skyports vertiport. The VX4 is designed to be piloted, carry four passengers and have a range of up to 100 miles. The aircraft successfully completed its first tethered piloted flight in July and is now progressing through its robust piloted test flight programme. Vertical will use the Skyports vertiport to conduct demonstration flights and test key procedures ahead of commercial launch. The new renders have depicted the vertiport’s interior, which will be equipped with Skyports’ proprietary vertiport technology solutions, which include its Resource Management and Scheduling System (RMSS) and Vertiport Automation System (VAS). Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “This is a significant moment for Bicester Motion and the future of aviation here. The former RAF Bicester was born in a period of intense technological innovation and played its role in 1938 when the Halifax prototype L7244 flew its maiden trail flights from Bicester. “Today, we continue to welcome aircraft from all eras including new mobility technologies to provide a viable future for our historic airfield through such pioneering partnerships as Skyports. The vertiport green light enables us to continue to host such aviation innovation and advance a world where sustainable and accessible electric aviation is in reach for all, with Bicester Motion at the centre.” Duncan Walker, chief executive, Skyports said: “With the green light from Cherwell District Council, now begins the exciting stage in vertiport development: building it. The tests and trials we conduct at this facility will be instrumental to the future of quiet, electric, vertical flight. Our vertiport at Bicester Motion will facilitate important learnings and demonstrations that advance the adoption of AAM. We are proud to be playing a pioneering role in shaping the future of this exciting industry in the UK.” The vertiport is being developed as part of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium: a group of leading British aviation, technology and transportation organisations pioneering AAM in the UK, backed by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Flight Challenge. The vertiport will serve as a key node for the Consortium’s wider testing programme, including demonstration flights, ground operations, aircraft integration, and public and stakeholder engagement. Michael Cervenka, chief commercial & technology officer, Vertical Aerospace, added: “The Skyports vertiport is a critical piece of infrastructure, helping to get our VX4 aircraft up into the air and demonstrate to the world that the future of flight is electric. We’re excited to see what the UK’s first permanent vertiport will look like as we move into an important phase of the industry – making this real. The tests we carry out here in Bicester with our VX4 will advance our understanding of electric aviation and revolutionise how we travel – paving the way for zero emissions, quiet flight.” James Richmond, head of future flight, consortium lead AtkinsRéalis, said: “The vertiport living lab will go beyond demonstrating flight procedures and will validate the entire ecosystem the partners have created from the ground up. Gaining planning consent was a critical milestone and provided important learning for all stakeholders involved, helping to enable and scale advanced air mobility in the UK.” Construction is due to start in the Autumn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
