Utilities & Infrastructure : Rail & Transport News
WJ Group Deploys Latest Innovations on the M6 and M42

WJ Group Deploys Latest Innovations on the M6 and M42

In collaboration with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, WJ Group were tasked with applying new road markings on the M6/M42 link road as part of long-term traffic management to support the construction of Phase One of the High-Speed rail network from London to Birmingham. The well-known high-speed rail project has

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Balfour Beatty secures contract from Transport Scotland

Balfour Beatty secures contract from Transport Scotland

Balfour Beatty has scooped a £185 million contract by Transport Scotland to dual the A9 between Tomatin and Moy in the Scottish Highlands, approximately 21 kilometres (13 miles) south of Inverness. As part of the contract, Balfour Beatty will upgrade 9.6 kilometres of single carriageway to dual carriageway, construct four

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Cardiff bus interchange officially opens

Cardiff bus interchange officially opens

A new £5.5 million bus interchange, designed by BDP and operated by Transport for Wales, has opened in Cardiff. The centralised bus facility located next to Cardiff Central Railway Station creates a sustainable travel gateway to Cardiff, providing improved connections to the area by integrating bus and rail services with

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Utilities & Infrastructure : Rail & Transport News

Green light for Bicester Motion and Skyports’ first UK vertiport testbed to advance electric air taxi industry

Green light for Bicester Motion and Skyports’ first UK vertiport testbed to advance electric air taxi industry

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

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WJ Group Deploys Latest Innovations on the M6 and M42

WJ Group Deploys Latest Innovations on the M6 and M42

In collaboration with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, WJ Group were tasked with applying new road markings on the M6/M42 link road as part of long-term traffic management to support the construction of Phase One of the High-Speed rail network from London to Birmingham. The well-known high-speed rail project has several implications for the UK’s strategic road network, as new structures and road alterations are required to enable it to cross the road network. Through their close partnership and knowledge of each other businesses, alongside shared aims of improving road worker safety and delivery efficiency, HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd worked with WJ to utilise two of their newest innovations on this scheme, the ThermoPrint and Autonomous PreMarker. These innovations both remove operatives from the potential dangers of working on the carriageway and into the safety of the vehicle. WJ Autonomous PreMarker Owing to the project’s long-term nature and considering future traffic management changes to the road layout to accommodate construction works, the WJ Autonomous PreMarker was deployed. The WJ Autonomous PreMarker represents a significant advancement in road marking technology by dramatically enhancing safety and efficiency during the pre-marking process. Traditionally, and still primarily, this process is conducted manually, exposing operatives to significant safety risks and creating substantial inefficiencies. By integrating state-of-the-art GPS-based positioning, advanced camera equipment and sophisticated onboard computing, the Autonomous PreMarker automates this process, removing operatives from the carriageway and greatly increasing efficiency. It does this by recording the exact position of road markings at normal traffic speeds, and then accurately pre-marking before new markings are installed. During this scheme, the equipment recorded all current longitudinal markings on this section of the network, so when they come to be changed and reinstated in years to come, the data will already be available to WJ, helping to improve efficiency and ensure they are replaced precisely where they were. ThermoPrint The second innovation utilised on this scheme was the ThermoPrint, which installed 10 sets of M6 & M42 markings and arrows, delivering multiple benefits for safety, efficiency and performance. ThermoPrint is an automated road marking application machine that effectively removes the potentially hazardous, manual process of laying thermoplastic road markings by hand. This innovative technology shifts operatives from the carriageway to the safety of a vehicle cab, reducing the risks associated with working close to live traffic. Productivity is also enhanced by enabling quicker application of road markings without the need to set out before installation, reducing the time spent on site, and consequently improving project deliverable timelines. Additionally, it delivers higher retro-reflectivity, improved visibility and uniformity in application whilst its unique dotted line marking system enhances wet night performance by facilitating drainage, ensuring the marking stands proud of surface water, increasing visibility for road users. Conclusion The deployment of WJ Group’s latest innovations on the high-speed rail scheme, in collaboration with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, marks a significant step forward in enhancing road worker safety and operational efficiency. By utilising the Autonomous PreMarker and ThermoPrint technologies on the M6/M42 link road, the partnership has shown a potential future for the sector where fewer people are working on the carriageway, whilst also streamlining project timelines. These innovations demonstrate WJ Group and HW Martin’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to support the construction of the new high speed rail network, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient road network. As the high-speed rail project progresses, the integration of such advanced technologies will continue to play a crucial role in managing the complex demands of this infrastructure project. For more information about WJ Group, please visit: https://www.wj.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Balfour Beatty VINCI moves new 84 metre Aston Church Road bridge for HS2 into place in Birmingham

Balfour Beatty VINCI moves new 84 metre Aston Church Road bridge for HS2 into place in Birmingham

In a major construction operation, Balfour Beatty VINCI on behalf of HS2 has moved a 1,600 tonne steel and concrete bridge into place in Saltley, Birmingham in just five hours. The new Aston Church Road bridge, which is 84 metres long and 21 metres wide, was moved over the existing Birmingham to Derby railway line. It will also sit above the new HS2 tracks as high speed trains travel in and out of Birmingham. The bridge provides an upgraded, safer section of Aston Church Road including cycleways, which connects Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells in north-east Birmingham. Starting at 10pm on Saturday 10 August, it took five hours for the team to move the bridge into place, reaching its final position at 3am on Sunday morning. The operation was delivered by Balfour Beatty VINCI and their specialist bridge move contractor Mammoet, during a Network Rail blockade. The railway was handed back to Network Rail five hours earlier than planned. The technique of building the structure on land next to the existing railway and moving it into position in one operation over one weekend, significantly minimises disruption to rail passengers. Heavy lifting engineering experts Mammoet moved the bridge into place using two 128-wheeled self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) across a matting bed put down over the tracks by Pod-Trak to provide a level surface. The new bridge was designed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra working for Balfour Beatty VINCI. The design incorporates local feedback, with a wide pedestrian walkway creating enough space for cyclists, an LED lighting strategy to enhance safety, and new woodland planting around the bridge. Public feedback resulted in the stainless steel finish being replaced with weathered steel panels incorporating a perforated pattern to maximise light and views, making the bridge feel warmer and improving the pedestrian experience. Dan Binns, Project Manager – Saltley Area for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “There’s an enormous feeling of pride within the team after safely manoeuvering an 84 metre, 1,600 tonne bridge into place last weekend. “This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because the bridge needed to be driven over four existing network rail lines, requiring years of precise planning and preparation. “We purposely chose to move the bridge on wheels, so it could be built offline first, then moved across in just five hours, greatly reducing the impact on rail passengers.” Steve Powell, HS2’s Head of Delivery said: “This is another great construction milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands, with our teams using the most innovative techniques to deliver feats of engineering safely and efficiently. “It’s also a great example of how the new infrastructure we’re building for HS2 also upgrades the local road network, providing big improvements for local communities.” The composite bridge is made of a concrete deck cast over steel girders with glass reinforced plastic panels used as permanent formwork. One of the UK’s leading concrete frame specialists, MPB delivered the reinforced concrete works. To prepare for the bridge move, a 9,000m2 platform was made and 62 piles constructed to support concrete structures. Around 4,000m3 concrete and 490 tonnes of reinforced steel has been used in the construction operation. The bridge now sits on three structures – an abutment to the West of the existing rail tracks, a pier consisting of two columns on the East of the existing tracks, and an abutment to the East of the pier. In the coming weeks, all the other structures around the bridge, along with the steel assembly of the parapet panels, will be completed. Over the next 14 months, the original Aston Church Road bridge will be demolished to create the extra space for the HS2 line to pass through, and works will get underway to connect the new bridge to the existing road network Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Timelapse: HS2 completes epic 8 month Wendover Dean Viaduct deck slide

New Timelapse: HS2 completes epic 8 month Wendover Dean Viaduct deck slide

HS2 have just revealed stunning new timelapse footage showing engineers carefully sliding a 3,700-tonne viaduct deck almost half a kilometre uphill into position near the town of Wendover in Buckinghamshire. The deck of the Wendover Dean Viaduct – which stretches for 450m – was assembled in three stages, ranging from 90m to 180m, with each one pushed out from the north abutment before the next section was attached behind it. This painstaking, eight-month long process meant that the weight of the deck increased with each push, up from an initial 590 tonnes at the start of work in January – to 3,700 tonnes by the time it reached the south abutment on Saturday. It is one of 50 major viaducts on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line. During the slide, special pads covered in Teflon – a material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – were used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the concrete piers. To help maintain control, the deck – which weighs the same as 264 double-decker buses – was pushed slightly uphill, with the finish point approximately 1.8m higher than the start point. With the steelwork now in position, 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 450m long deck settles into its final position. HS2 Ltd’s Head of Delivery, Nicola Henderson-Reid said: “The last eight months have been incredible, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting us to where we are today. It’s been fascinating to watch the deck slowly inch into position, and we now look forward to the next stage of the project – lowering the deck into final position and completing the complex concrete work that will support the new railway.” Once the deck is in its final position, work can begin on the concrete that will support the railway using a specially designed travelling formwork. Moving slowly from north to south, this stage is expected to take around a year and will be followed by the installation of the parapets along the edge of the viaduct. The Wendover Dean Viaduct is the first major railway bridge in the UK to be built with a ‘double composite’ structure, which uses significantly less carbon-intensive concrete and steel than a more traditional design. Instead of using solid pre-stressed concrete beams to form the spans between the viaduct piers, the hollow ‘double composite’ structure uses two steel beams sandwiched between two layers of reinforced concrete to create a more efficient super strong span.  A similar approach is also being used at Small Dean, Westbury, Lower Thorpe and Turweston, which are all at an earlier stage of construction. All five 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. EKFB’s Senior Project Engineer, James Collings, said: “The final launch for Wendover Dean viaduct marks two years of teamwork from EKFB and our supply chain partners Eiffage Metal. I am very proud of our progress and would like to thank the team for their ongoing commitment to the safe delivery of the viaduct. Over the next three months, we will see the viaduct lowered onto its permanent bearings in preparation for its concrete deck.” 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 will become the longest railway bridge in the UK when the deck is finished later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic awarded third Lincolnshire County Council highways framework project

Winvic awarded third Lincolnshire County Council highways framework project

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has begun work on the third project awarded to it under the Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) highways framework contract. Work has begun on major improvements as part of a planned five-month reconstruction exercise to fully-rebuild Dysart Road in Grantham, Lincolnshire, including the junctions of adjoining side roads. As part of the proposed works, Winvic will enhance multiple assets by excavating and rebuilding the entire road in sections and expects to utilise nearly 8,000 tonnes of material during the project. Construction will include resurfacing and redevelopment of the existing carriageway and pathways. Associated drainage, kerbing and channel repairs will be carried out, and carriageway markings will additionally be refreshed. The project will cover approximately two kilometres, ranging from the signalised pedestrian crossing at the west end of Dysart Road, to just beyond the east end of the A1 bridge. It will also include the supply and implementation of localised traffic management. While works are being carried out, a westbound one-way closure on Dysart Road will be in place to ensure public safety, while full night-time road closures will take place between 7pm to 6am towards the end of the project. The General Works Lot contract is designed to deliver new infrastructure assets and improvements across the County over a four-year period. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure, adds: “We’re delighted to have been awarded our third highways scheme as part of the four-year Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) highways framework. “Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the construction process, and we will be actively engaging with the local community and businesses, promoting public safety, and planting trees to benefit the environment in nearby areas. “We are excited to be delivering these essential upgrades to the area and will persevere to ensure minimal disruption and maximum benefits to local communities and road users.” “The team has been exceeding expectations on the two schemes delivered so far – A16 Marsh Lane, Boston and Newland, Lincoln – and we look forward to building an even stronger relationship with LCC’s team while delivering these transformative infrastructure improvements.” Jared Taylor, Winvic’s Contracts Director, comments: “We are extremely proud that Winvic has been awarded its third Lincolnshire County Council Highways Framework project. “Our commitment to positively impacting the local community is being warmly received, and it’s a pleasure to continue supporting the county through our social value initiatives. “Winvic is dedicated to progressing works quickly and efficiently, minimising disruption while delivering long-lasting infrastructure improvements across Lincolnshire. This success is a testament to our diligent and highly dedicated workforce.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (Formally Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Third tower crane arrives to transformational public transport project site at Bristol Airport

Third tower crane arrives to transformational public transport project site at Bristol Airport

The third and final tower crane has now arrived at Griffiths Farrans JV site at Bristol Airport where the main contractors are delivering a transformational public transport project. Works are progressing well with the structure now visible above ground. Level one and two slabs are underway and all stair cores are progressing in advance of the floor slabs. The new Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport will have an improved internal road system and an additional multi-storey car park which will provide customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities. The project forms part of Bristol Airport’s overall multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the Airport. Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director, Bristol Airport said: “Bristol Airport is investing £60 million in our new Public Transport Interchange and associated works, to help increase public transport usage at the Airport and transform the customer experience. “The project is progressing at pace, and we’re excited about utilising the facility next Summer. “We’re proudly enhancing local job opportunities, apprenticeships and spend in the local economy. Key to our development is sustainability, which is why we’re recycling over 95% of material on site, and we’re keen to ensure we minimise impacts on our local communities.” Ian Grimstead, Operations Director, Griffiths Farrans JV, said: “We are pleased to report that the construction of the new multi-storey car park at Bristol Airport is making excellent progress. Our dedicated team is working diligently ensuring that all key milestones are met. Significant earthworks operations have been completed on programme to allow the car park construction to commence. Our team have aligned with Bristol Airport’s sustainability goals and have successfully processed 80,000 tonnes of site won material for reuse on the scheme. Also, we have been the first to trial with Volvo the UK’s first electric 22T excavator within the earthwork’s operations. We look forward to the scheme completion and the positive impact it will have on the airport’s operations.” Glenn Gilmore, Regional Director, Griffiths Farrans JV, said: “Our project team is making excellent progress on site at Bristol Airport and, now that work is taking place above ground, passengers coming to the airport will be able to see as each new level is added. Milestones like this one provide our local stakeholders with the confidence that work is underway and progressing quickly. We are currently on programme and looking forward to more settled weather throughout summer to continue with our planned timelines.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Balfour Beatty secures contract from Transport Scotland

Balfour Beatty secures contract from Transport Scotland

Balfour Beatty has scooped a £185 million contract by Transport Scotland to dual the A9 between Tomatin and Moy in the Scottish Highlands, approximately 21 kilometres (13 miles) south of Inverness. As part of the contract, Balfour Beatty will upgrade 9.6 kilometres of single carriageway to dual carriageway, construct four major bridges along the route as well as deliver new side roads together with various junction upgrades. Balfour Beatty will also provide over 10 kilometres of improved active travel routes to promote and encourage cycling and walking in the local area. The A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project is expected to improve road safety, journey times and reliability for all road users including pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers. This major investment in the local area will generate economic growth, supporting businesses, communities, and tourism throughout Scotland by strengthening the link between Scotland’s central belt and the Highlands and Islands. As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting positive legacy for the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty will reduce its carbon emissions during the construction phase by sourcing local materials wherever possible, helping to minimise the number of heavy goods vehicle movements and deliveries to and from the site. Balfour Beatty will also harness industry-leading digital delivery techniques such as 4D planning to digitally plan and rehearse the construction sequence of the Moy Rail Bridge and Dalmagarry Bridge to optimise the phasing of works, identify any potential construction sequencing challenges and put in place solutions to drive efficiencies and productivity. The A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project forms part of Transport Scotland’s multi-billion pound A9 Dualling Programme, for which a delivery plan was announced in December 2023. It marks the third section of the programme to begin construction following the successful completion of the Kincraig to Dalraddy and the Luncarty to Pass of Birnam sections, which opened in 2017 and 2021 respectively, with the latter also being constructed by Balfour Beatty. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cardiff bus interchange officially opens

Cardiff bus interchange officially opens

A new £5.5 million bus interchange, designed by BDP and operated by Transport for Wales, has opened in Cardiff. The centralised bus facility located next to Cardiff Central Railway Station creates a sustainable travel gateway to Cardiff, providing improved connections to the area by integrating bus and rail services with local walking routes, cycle ways and taxis. Multidisciplinary design practice BDP provided architectural and interior design, branding and wayfinding consultancy for the project which is part of the Welsh Government’s broader initiative to develop an integrated travel network for the people of Wales making public transport the easiest choice for all. Within the 2,235sqm interchange, the central feature is the bus terminus which includes 14 bus bays along with ancillary space for retail, food and beverage outlets and public toilet facilities to enhance passenger comfort for onward travel. A mezzanine level houses Transport for Wales’s strategic operations centre for south Wales. Central to BDP’s design is a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Enhanced links between the bus interchange and the railway station are supported by clear wayfinding for a seamless travel experience. A striking red wall in the concourse provides a key visual orientation and branded identity focal point. Features such as tactile flooring routes and a braille accessibility map assist blind and partially sighted customers and the interchange includes a changing places room and a fully equipped family room. BDP’s collaborative approach was at the heart of the project with the implementation of an extensive stakeholder engagement programme including consultations with the local authority, transport operators, service users, police, fire service, the local community and accessibility groups to ensure that the design meets the needs of all users. Working with project manager and lead consultant Mott Macdonald, BDP addressed specialist security and fire safety design requirements. In addition, BDP conducted a complementary study which explored how the wider public realm around central Cardiff could be adapted to further improve connectivity between transport modes including active travel, wayfinding, technology, branding and green infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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More than £20m in funding agreed for key infrastructure projects in Greater Manchester

More than £20m in funding agreed for key infrastructure projects in Greater Manchester

Members of the Bee Network Committee have approved the release of more than £20m to progress with key transport infrastructure projects in Greater Manchester. The latest release of funds – including £10m from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and more than £10m from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund – will go towards a range of projects, each contributing towards the delivery of a high-quality, affordable and fully integrated public transport and walking, wheeling and cycling network. Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner, said: “We are moving quickly to bring about improvements that will make a real difference to how people get around Greater Manchester using public transport or when walking, wheeling or cycling.  “Over the next few years more than £1bn will be invested to make bus and active travel journeys better and to make paying more convenient through ‘tap and go’ ticketing. The scale of ambition is reflected in the drawdown of these funds that support continued delivery of the Bee Network across all ten districts of the city-region.” Integrated ticketing and travel information To ensure people can travel conveniently and seamlessly on Bee Network services, funding of £7.3m was approved to deliver contactless pay-as-you go across bus and Metrolink services. It means customers will be able to pay via a contactless card or device while using Bee Network bus and tram services throughout the day, with the best value fare automatically worked out and capped for them. The funds will also be used to help combat fare evasion, with new devices to check whether passengers have paid via contactless, along with a new feature that will enable passengers to see their journey history in the Bee Network app.     Middleton ‘Streets for All’ The ‘Streets for All’ scheme – that will ensure that high-quality walking, wheeling and cycling connections – is currently being developed for Middleton town centre by Rochdale Council. The scheme, which is still subject to further approvals, supporting the wider Masterplan and its ambition to unlock regeneration around the Market Place, creating new housing and establish of a new cultural quarter. A key feature of the scheme will involve reconfiguring the Market Place roundabout, to include a new public space, better segregated cycling provision around the roundabout and improvements to the underpass to allow sufficient width for shared use between pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. The Bee Network Committee approved £0.7m to progress the scheme to a final business case and progress with awarding a contract for the Streets for All scheme. Improving journeys – Rochdale – Oldham – Ashton Improving bus routes around Greater Manchester is a Bee Network priority, and a long-term project is already underway to improve the reliability of bus services between Rochdale, Oldham and Ashton, along with bettering connections to and from bus stops and the environment along key routes. The route between Rochdale, Oldham and Ashton is currently the busiest on the franchised network. Funding for the project, known as Improving journeys – Rochdale – Oldham – Ashton is being released in phases, and the Bee Network Committee has now released £2.1m of CRSTS funding to develop the Rochdale element of the scheme to Full Business Case. Construction of the main scheme in Rochdale is anticipated to commence in Autumn 2025, subject to further approvals. Active travel schemes Walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure is a key component of the Bee Network, enabling people to opt for active modes of travel for shorter journeys through the provision of high-quality, safe and well-connected routes. Funding for four active travel schemes was approved by the Committee, with a total of £10.46m to be released from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund – a programme of work partly funded by CRSTS. The draw down will enable the delivery of almost 5km of Bee Network standard routes, crossings and junction improvements.    Almost £5m (£4.99m) was approved for cycling and walking infrastructure along Seymour Grove in Trafford, part of a wider programme of work that forms Trafford’s A56 North Active Travel Corridor between Stretford and Manchester city centre. The Seymour Grove scheme will provide a series of measures along a 0.5km section of Talbot Road, addressing a missing link in the existing active travel network. The wider scheme will link the cycle route to Trafford Bar Metrolink station, see the addition of Starling Bank Bike hire facilities and support the wider regeneration vision for Stretford. As well as a segregated cycle route, this scheme will provide two fully segregated protected junctions (Chester Road/Stretford Road/Talbot Road and Seymour Grove/Talbot Road) and will enable future development of an active travel route running south along Seymour Grove, connecting to the Chorlton Cycleway. The committee also approved £2.17m to build a new cycleway in Leigh, along on the A572 St Helens Road from the Bridgewater Canal to Bonnywell Road. This route will also improve the route from Leigh to Leigh Sports Village and Pennington Flash. In addition, £1.99m of MCF funding will be released to develop a traffic-free active travel route from Wigan town centre to Standish, bypassing the busy A49, and £1.31m to extend the Whelley Loop Line, and build an accessible ramp up to Hall Lane, improving access to Haigh Hall. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Milence begins development of its first UK charging hub in Immingham, pioneering sustainable transport in the region

Milence begins development of its first UK charging hub in Immingham, pioneering sustainable transport in the region

Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group, announces the development of its first charging hub in the UK. Construction has now commenced and is underway, with the hub scheduled to be operational with the completion of the first phase in November 2024. Strategically located within the United Kingdom and Europe Immingham, strategically located on the east coast of England, boasts robust internal connections facilitated by excellent road and rail links, including direct access to major motorways such as the M180, M18, and M1, ensuring efficient cargo distribution across the UK. The port’s proximity enables less than 24-hour connectivity to a European market of 170 million people, regularly servicing Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Baltic regions with over 30 Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) and Lo-Lo (lift-on/lift-off) sailings each week. These extensive connections and capabilities solidify Immingham’s position as a key logistical hub, enhancing its role in facilitating trade and transportation between the UK and the broader European market. The hub is to be located on Able Humber Port (AHP) – a 311ha deep-water offshore wind and renewable energy port and more than 1,000 metres of planned heavy-duty quays to be developed on 43.1ha of riverbed. Peter Stephenson, Founder and Executive Chairman of AHP stated: “We are delighted to be welcoming Milence to Able Humber Port to develop one of the first electric charging HGV hubs in the UK. This is an exciting step forward in supporting the decarbonising of the Humber Ports and assisting Able Humber Port and the region transition towards net zero.” About the charging hub The new Milence charging hub will be the first of its kind in the UK, representing a significant step towards a greener future for road transport. The development of the charging hub in Immingham will be carried out in multiple phases: Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence: “Expanding into the UK with our first charging hub in Immingham represents a significant milestone for Milence. This strategic location not only enhances our ability to support the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions but also aligns with our commitment to driving the future of green logistics across Europe.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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