A 360-tonne bridge has been lifted into place as part of construction of a new port for the South East, Tilbury2. The steel bridge was towed 135 nautical miles from Rotterdam to the Tilbury2 site – a process which took 24 hours – before it was lifted into place. The
Stephen George + Partners (SGP), one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, is celebrating the start on site of its first airside project to be under construction. A ground breaking ceremony marked the official construction start of the £7million 54,000 sq ft maintenance hangar and 15,500 sqft workshop facility at
DP World London Gateway has secured multiple recognition from The Planet Mark for reducing its carbon footprint at its Thames-based trade-enabling hub. The integrated logistics hub secured two awards at The Planet Mark’s national awards last month, winning the Supply Chain Engagement and Carbon Reduction categories. The Planet Mark’s report,
Stanton Bonna worked with Kier to develop an offsite linear drainage system on M6 J13 to J15, Stafford with Aqua-SlotTM Drain. Key Benefits: · Rapid Installation · Reduced waste · Minimal people interface · Not weather dependent Through the early stages of the Highways England M6 J13-15 scheme, Kier Highways engineering and efficiencies teams
A new dual carriageway on the A14 is set to open this December, a full year ahead of schedule. The 12-mile bypass which is part of a wider 21-mile, £1.5 billion scheme in Cambridgeshire and the largest upgrade of its kind in the UK, will save drivers up to 20
The government has announced an investment of £30 million to ensure the UK’s ports “continue to thrive” after Brexit. Making the announcement Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the investment would ensure that trade continues to flow smoothly at UK ports after 31 October 2019. The Department for Transport is
A major project described as Stockport’s single most important strategic highway connection has been completed by GRAHAM. The £8m Travis Brow Link Road creates a vital link between the A6 and M60 in Stockport town centre. It’s part of Stockport Council’s £73m Town Centre Access Plan, which will improve access
Highways England has announced plans for a major upgrade to the A69 Bridge End junction, which aims to reduce congestion, and improve journey times and safety for thousands of drivers. A multi-million upgrade will save drivers around an hour a week, and the installation of permanent average speed cameras to
A five-year investment plan has been set out for Gatwick Airport, which will see the facility extend the Pier 6 western, as well as introduce robotic parking and automated boarding technology. The Capital Investment Programme (CIP) also identifies the £187 million railway station development, new North Terminal car park, and
A £78 million upgrade project on the M6 at Walsall is moving forward with a new junction built at Walsall to replace the bridges over the motorway. This junction 10 will increase capacity at the traffic bottleneck and improve safety, bringing smoother journeys for the thousands that use the route every
A 360-tonne bridge has been lifted into place as part of construction of a new port for the South East, Tilbury2. The steel bridge was towed 135 nautical miles from Rotterdam to the Tilbury2 site – a process which took 24 hours – before it was lifted into place. The approach bridge is the first of three components to be installed over the next few months to create a Roll On – Roll Off facility into the new terminal currently under construction by GRAHAM. Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury, said: “This is another important milestone in the creation of our new port Tilbury2. “GRAHAM’s team successfully completed the link span fixed bridge installation and we look forward to seeing the bridge opened early next year.” The steel bridge, measuring 54m x 15m x 5m was chosen for its strength and durability in the marine environment. It was transported by the HAPO pontoon H-332 and supporting tug. The Port of London (PLA) pilots were on board when entering the Thames Estuary and remained with GRAHAM throughout the lifting operations. Following closely behind in convoy was the MATADOR 3 seagoing floating sheerleg crane with a lifting capacity of 1,800 tonnes, again with a supporting tug. Paul Scott, Contracts Director for GRAHAM, said: “We have hit another milestone on this major project with the arrival and installation of the approach bridge. “It was a real team effort from the loading out at Ravestein’s BV yard through to the installation. “The approach bridge is positioned from abutments on both the landside of the flood defence and on the foreshore.” The Tilbury2 project consists of the construction of a new port terminal and associated facilities on land at the former Tilbury Power Station on the north bank of the River Thames at Tilbury. When operational in Spring 2020, Tilbury2 will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied freight ferry port, the country’s biggest construction processing hub and will see the creation of a new significantly larger rail head which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m. The project is central to the Port of Tilbury’s £1 billion investment programme during 2012-20, which has seen it double the size of its business in the past 10 years and is projected to double the volume of cargo across the quay (from 16 million to 32 million tonnes) and increase direct employment (from 3,500 to 12,000 jobs) over the next 10-15 years.
Stephen George + Partners (SGP), one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, is celebrating the start on site of its first airside project to be under construction. A ground breaking ceremony marked the official construction start of the £7million 54,000 sq ft maintenance hangar and 15,500 sqft workshop facility at Norwich International Airport for Rigby Group plc, owners of Regional City Airports. The new hangar facility, which is designed to service two Boeing 737 aircraft, will accommodate the expansion of KLM UK engineering group, providing additional capacity to offer aircraft maintenance and repair services to customers worldwide. Ian Yallop, Chairman of SGP: “We have been able to apply our extensive experience of large and small-scale industrial units to the project at Norwich Airport, to create a facility that meets KLM UK’s engineering needs as well as reinforcing Norwich Airport’s position as a leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.” “The design of this type of project is very technical and requires a detailed knowledge of airport operations. CAA requirements are focused on safeguarding flights and we had to think in a new way – working from the sky downwards and taking into account a range of variables including radar requirements, wind shear and navigation systems. The workshop is 7.5m to its haunch and the hangar 13.0m and will be constructed using a Twin-Therm wall system, with Euroclad cladding, profiled to break up radar bounce back. This is an important milestone for SGP and although we have worked on several masterplans and designs for other regional and national airports, this is the first that has reached construction stage. We are looking forward to expanding this new and fascinating sector.”
DP World London Gateway has secured multiple recognition from The Planet Mark for reducing its carbon footprint at its Thames-based trade-enabling hub. The integrated logistics hub secured two awards at The Planet Mark’s national awards last month, winning the Supply Chain Engagement and Carbon Reduction categories. The Planet Mark’s report, earlier this year, highlighted that DP World London Gateway Port has reduced its carbon emissions by 24.9% per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit container) from 2017 to 2018. Carbon reductions of 18% were also achieved during construction of the latest warehouse to open at its Logistics Park – a multi-temperature facility operated by CEVA Logistics – equating to 2,561 tonnes of carbon dioxide. As a result, both facilities received The Planet Mark accreditation – an internationally recognised and trusted sustainability certification acknowledging commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability. Such consideration to sustainability means that those businesses using DP World London Gateway can be assured that their supply chains are more environmentally friendly. Steve Malkin, CEO of Planet First and co-founder of The Planet Mark, said: “We’ve been working with DP World London Gateway for several years now and it is encouraging that, despite being a rapidly growing business, their carbon emissions are continuing to reduce. I have been continually impressed by their commitment to operating in the most environmentally possible way, and by the innovative ways that they have worked to achieve this. From using hybrid and electric vehicles to ensuring that their operations are planned in such a way that vehicles that do use diesel travel the least possible distance. The business provides a strong example of how to operate a leaner – and therefore cleaner – supply chain.” DP World London Gateway was intentionally designed to offer shippers a highly flexible opportunity to consolidate and sort products for onward distribution at its logistics park just a few hundred yards from the quay side, significantly reducing the number of trucks on the road and lowering carbon emissions. Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: “As a global trade enabler, we know that our operations have a wide-reaching impact on people and on the planet, that extends beyond ensuring that people have the things that they need, when they need them. That is why we’re committed to intentional change and operating a sustainable business to minimise social and environmental impacts, today and in the future. Partnering with Planet Mark™ to reduce carbon emissions across our operations at DP World London Gateway is part of how we achieve this and hold ourselves accountable. I am proud of our latest accreditations and awards with The Planet Mark. It proves we can offer our customers the assurance that by partnering with us their supply chains are more sustainable.” Source: DP World London Gateway
Stanton Bonna worked with Kier to develop an offsite linear drainage system on M6 J13 to J15, Stafford with Aqua-SlotTM Drain. Key Benefits: · Rapid Installation · Reduced waste · Minimal people interface · Not weather dependent Through the early stages of the Highways England M6 J13-15 scheme, Kier Highways engineering and efficiencies teams considered several different options for offsite manufacture, one of the projects developed was the use of a Precast Concrete Aqua-SlotTM Drain. Challenge Early on it became apparent that the largest risk to the use of this innovative product would be the production programme with the scheme needing over 31km, exceeding current manufacturing capacity. This required both Area team, Client and Design team input early in the discussion, allowing a production programme that aligned to the scheme’s needs. Benefits · Traditional slip-forming of slot can be problematic, particularly in a live highway environment where concrete delivery is key to success but is often delayed by weather conditions, network congestion and crucially site logistics. · By using precast, the units can be laid out in advance and laying can commence as soon as a sufficient formation bed is prepared. Laying can continue in most weather conditions. · Rapid installation achieving outputs in excess of 200m per day per three-person gang · Factory made units are high quality to tight tolerances and CE marked · Sump unit and incorporated ironwork means that once the unit is laid there is virtually no other follow up work required · Reduced waste as this method removes the need for any wet casting or cutting out to form outlets · Reduced workforce around the operation minimising People Plant Interface · Ability to change work fronts with minimal impact if blockers are identified or there are unforeseen issues, this provides greater flexibility · No need for saw cuts as the product naturally features joints minimising HAVS issues “In the first weeks of laying, outputs were better than expected and we are very pleased with the product. Any reduction in trades and numbers in what is a very constrained environment has to be seen as a positive,” commented Richard French (Project Director M6 13-15). The Figures · 14km of Aqua-SlotTM in Central Reservation · 17km of Aqua-SlotTM in the verges · 55 linear metres per lorry load · 200m installed per day · 1.4t unit weight, 2.5m long units · Rodding access point every 25m · Bedded on Type 1 and regulating sand layer · Design support from Kier Highways engineering · Socket and spigot with gasket to ensure correct jointing and alignment · EN1433 compliant, D400 & CE Marked
A new dual carriageway on the A14 is set to open this December, a full year ahead of schedule. The 12-mile bypass which is part of a wider 21-mile, £1.5 billion scheme in Cambridgeshire and the largest upgrade of its kind in the UK, will save drivers up to 20 minutes per journey, benefiting people living and working across the entire region. The A14 Integrated Delivery Team, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Costain and Skanska, and design consultants Atkins and CH2M, is delivering the project. To mark the early opening announcement, the A14 was visited by the Roads Minister, Baroness Vere. Speaking on the project, Baroness Vere, said: “This Government is committed to delivering an infrastructure revolution and it’s fantastic that a key section of this vital route will be delivered a year ahead of schedule, helping people travelling in the East of England get to their destination quickly and safely. “The A14 upgrade will not only improve the experience for local drivers but will also boost access between the region’s ports and the West Midlands – a key logistics hub. “I look forward to seeing the benefits in action in December and to seeing similar infrastructure schemes developing around the country as we improve links and spread growth opportunities.” On completion, the road will open as an A road, instead of a motorway as originally planned. This will take advantage of wider lanes when joining the neighbouring M11 and A1(M). Julian Lamb, deputy project director for the Integrated Delivery Team, said: “We can put the continued success of the project down to our deep understanding of the scheme and our expertise in delivering complex road projects. This has allowed us to move the project along efficiently and effectively resulting in opening the bypass ahead of schedule and being recognised within the industry as a leader in innovation, productivity and collaboration.” The full project remains on track to open to traffic by the end of 2020.
The government has announced an investment of £30 million to ensure the UK’s ports “continue to thrive” after Brexit. Making the announcement Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the investment would ensure that trade continues to flow smoothly at UK ports after 31 October 2019. The Department for Transport is calling on ports across England to bid for a share of £10 million, as part of the Port Infrastructure Resilience and Connectivity (PIRC) competition, to help deliver upgrades which will enhance capacity and maintain trade flow. On top of this, the government is providing £5 million to 4 key Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) – made up of emergency responders, councils and other public services – in areas with key freight ports. This will help them build infrastructure improvements to minimise any potential traffic disruption at the border. A further £15 million will go towards longer-term projects to boost road and rail links to ports and ensure more freight can get where it needs to be faster. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are leaving the on 31 October and we will be prepared whatever the circumstances. “As the continues to develop as an outward-facing global trading nation ready for a post-Brexit world, the resilience of our trading hubs is more critical than ever before. “This £30 million investment supports our ports in their work to boost capacity and efficiency, ensuring they’re ready for Brexit and a successful future.” The funding comes as part of the government’s £2.1 billion investment to step-up the country’s preparations for leaving the EU. The competition will be open until 6 September, after which successful bidders will be given up to £1 million each to deliver infrastructure improvements. For example, this may include providing more parking and container storage space or developing traffic systems to ensure the free flow of cars and lorries. The £5 million is targeted specifically at delivering infrastructure improvements to manage road traffic around maritime ports with important trade routes. It comes a week after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a separate £9 million scheme for local councils and to support their overall planning for Brexit in local areas and major air, land or sea ports. This funding could include supporting the hiring of additional staff or implementing regional communications campaigns. The Department for Transport continues to prepare for all circumstances after 31 October and has been implementing a multi-channel information campaign to ensure hauliers have the documents they need to carry goods into the EU.
A major project described as Stockport’s single most important strategic highway connection has been completed by GRAHAM. The £8m Travis Brow Link Road creates a vital link between the A6 and M60 in Stockport town centre. It’s part of Stockport Council’s £73m Town Centre Access Plan, which will improve access into and around the centre, by easing congestion and improving transport links. GRAHAM’S work has been recognised, with the scheme named ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2019 Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) North West Awards. Leo Martin, Executive Director at GRAHAM, said: “This has been a really successful project and our teams have worked incredibly hard on a scheme which benefits millions of people who will use this link road. “It forms a key part of an extensive access plan for Stockport town centre. High-levels of expertise were required in order to complete the work – especially when you take into consideration the Grade II listed viaduct and tunnel. “Our work has been praised for meeting the key objectives of achieving best value, minimising disruption and efficient delivery.” GRAHAM was appointed through the Highways England CDF Lot 2 Framework. The project didn’t come without its challenges, with innovation required to support the exposed rock face beneath the Viaduct foundations, whilst also restricting movements to negligible level during the construction phase. Pre-stressed rock anchors were utilised with a near vertical hard shotcrete facing. The retaining structure was then covered in mass concrete, to protect against vehicle impact and corrosion. Output and benefits Impact: Our collaborative design and construction effort reduced the overall project costs for SMBC, while providing a visually improved overall landscaped scheme. Bridge strikes: Our work has helped to reduce bridge strikes on George’s Road where regular strikes had previously caused significant disruption to the road and rail networks. Segregated pedestrian and cycle lanes: These have created an important east-west local sustainable transport link north of the town centre. Engineering fill: 10,000 tonnes of excavated brickwork were recycled by crushing and turned into engineered fill for the construction of the embankments and temporary works piling. Collaboration: Our construction methodology was designed to enable a key road (providing access to B&Q and Decathlon) to be opened at weekends in recognition of busy retail trading.
Highways England has announced plans for a major upgrade to the A69 Bridge End junction, which aims to reduce congestion, and improve journey times and safety for thousands of drivers. A multi-million upgrade will save drivers around an hour a week, and the installation of permanent average speed cameras to improve safety at two locations along the road, are due to start in the next two months. Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said: “The A69 is used by around 26,000 drivers every day and these essential improvements will make the A69 safer while reducing congestion and improving journeys. “The Bridge End upgrade will also improve access from the A69 into Hexham, reducing the amount of accidents at the junction and aiding any future proposals to dual the route.” The permanent average speed cameras are being installed at two locations along the A69, between Hexham West and Haydon Bridge and between Warwick and Corby Hill following a safety review. Work between Hexham and Haydon Bridge starts in early September for around six weeks. Most of the work will take place in the verge however temporary traffic lights may be needed at times. Work between Warwick and Corby Hill is due to start at the end of October for around three weeks. The improvements are being carried out in partnership with Cumbria and Northumbria police forces. In October work starts on upgrading the junction at Bridge End. This means lowering the A69 under the junction so drivers are able to continue along the route without having to use the roundabout. As part of the work around 90,000 cubic metres of soil is being removed, two new bridges are being created, new drainage is being installed and the entire junction will be resurfaced. The improvements, announced by the Department for Transport in the autumn statement back in 2016, are being funded as part of the £220 million Congestion Relief Fund and can only be spent on the Bridge End and Styford work. To carry out the work a reduced speed limit of 30mph and temporary average speed cameras will be in place for the safety of drivers and the workforce while the junction is upgraded. Alterations to the roundabout will also be made to allow contractors to work safely on the junction. The roundabout will be open to traffic by next winter although some work will need to be completed once the new road layout is in place. Residents and businesses will be invited to an information event that is due to be held in September prior to work starting. Further details will be released shortly. Before work starts at the junction, some minor resurfacing work will be carried out nearby from Monday 09 September so drivers can continue to have smooth and safe journeys.
A five-year investment plan has been set out for Gatwick Airport, which will see the facility extend the Pier 6 western, as well as introduce robotic parking and automated boarding technology. The Capital Investment Programme (CIP) also identifies the £187 million railway station development, new North Terminal car park, and the expansion of both the international departure lounges in both North and South Terminals. A few emerging projects have also been revealed for the airport, which include a new special assistance airside lounge for the South Terminal, similar to the popular North Terminal facility which opened in 2018. These projects, and many more, will be delivered at Gatwick Airport over the next five years as the facility brings its total investment since 2009 to £3.21 billion. Gatwick’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Wingate said: “We always put passengers at the heart of our investment plans and it’s great to see how automation and technology can further enhance the passenger experience. The plans explore ways we can grow capacity sustainably, including providing more space in our departure lounges. This investment will support our existing airlines, help attract new airlines and provide an enhanced service for the millions of people who choose to fly from Gatwick. “We have outlined our long-term growth strategy in our final master plan and the Capital Investment Programme we are sharing today, gives a more detailed view of our short-term plans which will continue to improve our service proposition and lay foundations for the future,” the Chief Executive Officer added. The CIP continues Gatwick’s strong environmental commitment. By joining VINCI Airports’ global AirPact policy – the first-ever integrated environmental programme in the airport industry – Gatwick will share best practice with the rest of the network on a number of projects in the CIP, notably electric and hybrid vehicles and recycling facilities.
A £78 million upgrade project on the M6 at Walsall is moving forward with a new junction built at Walsall to replace the bridges over the motorway. This junction 10 will increase capacity at the traffic bottleneck and improve safety, bringing smoother journeys for the thousands that use the route every day. It will also help facilitate growth at the Black Country Enterprise Zone in Darlaston and improve accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. “We are delighted to announce that John Sisk & Son have been appointed to lead this important scheme which will tackle congestion at a very busy junction at the heart of the country,” said Highways England Project Manager David Reed. “This is a significant milestone for the project which will ultimately bring smoother and safer journeys for the many thousands of drivers using junction 10 every day.” Construction firm Sisk has been appointed to design and build the new junction on behalf of Highways England and Walsall Council. Preparation work is expected to get underway in the autumn with construction work beginning in January. Work is due to be completed by summer 2022. “With junction 10 on our doorstep, Walsall has excellent connectivity and is an attractive place for investment. Reducing delays and increasing capacity at this vital interchange will play an important role in strengthening our economy and improving the accessibility of our town centre,” added Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council.