background picture

New Civil Engineer (Road)

About the Publisher

-----

Contact Information

Email Address-----
Company Phone-----
Address-----

Socials

Facebook-----
Instagram-----
LinkedIn-----

Filters

60

articles found

View by
Bridge Design Error Causes Year Delay And £10-20M Cost Hike On Lincolnshire Road Project
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Bridge Design Error Causes Year Delay And £10-20M Cost Hike On Lincolnshire Road ProjectLincolnshire County Council’s Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been hit with a year’s delay and a cost hike of £10-20M due to a bridge design error meaning it cannot be installed as intended. This setback is related to the construction of a new bridge over the River Witham and the East Coast Main Line, which means the project will not be finished until 2026 and will now cost £158-168M. “This mistake related to the how the bridge was to be installed and us being told it couldn’t be pushed into place as intended due to concerns relating to specific wind conditions,” Lincolnshire County Council executive member for highways Richard Davies said. The project is being carried out by principal contractor Galliford Try and was designed by WSP. “The complexities of designing and constructing this relief road, particularly this bridge, are far beyond what we as a council can do directly,” Davies said. "That’s why top international engineering companies and experienced contractors were entrusted to handle the project. Although we oversee the scheme as a whole, we rely on our suppliers’ combined expertise. “When undertaking a project of this magnitude, all design work also undergoes a mandatory, additional layer of independent checking. Unfortunately, despite all of this, a mistake was made along the way that’s led to this new delay. "Safety comes first, so the work was halted so our designers and contractors could address the problem. “We’ve done everything you could reasonably expect us to do as the client for the scheme, but we feel we’ve been let down.” Installation of the bridge piers in November 2022 Davies said that the solution is nearly finalised but will see the timeline for the project shifted. The bridge’s placement over a span of 293m will now be carried out over a period of months. This operation will take place during overnight hours when train services have paused. Following this phase, further construction will occur on the east side of the site, including the lifting of new steel beams, alongside several months dedicated to concreting, installing safety barriers, and laying road surfacing. Davies continued: “Let me be 100% clear: while we may need to cover these extra costs initially, we will ensure that those responsible for this are held accountable and that every penny of taxpayer money will be recovered. “We are pursuing contractual and legal processes as a result of this error so are unable to comment any further on this at this stage for legal reasons. “For now, our priority now is getting this massive project back on track as soon as possible – and that means continuing to work closely with our appointed contractor and designers. “While this new delay is incredibly disappointing, we remain 100% committed to completing Grantham’s relief road. “As a local resident and business owner, I understand and share the frustration this delay will cause. But safety comes first, and even the smallest risk must be taken extremely seriously. “In the meantime, I want to thank everyone for their continued patience as we work towards completing this monumental project.” A Galliford Try spokesperson said: “Galliford Try continues to work in a collaborative manner with all the stakeholders on Grantham Southern Relief Road to ensure the safe and timely delivery of this vital piece of infrastructure. The challenges that have led to the reported delays relate to the design of the bridge across the River Witham and the East Coast Main Line and Galliford Try is contracted on a construct-only basis on the project.” WSP was contacted for comment. Grantham Southern Relief Road The overall Grantham Southern Relief Road project is a new 3.5km road delivered in three phases that intends to improve the town’s infrastructure and growth. Overview of Grantham Southern Relief Road Phase one saw the creation of a roundabout off the B1174 and was carried out by Fitzgerald Civil Engineering between 2015 and 2016. Phase two involved joining of the B1174 to the A1 trunk road, with Galliford Try starting work in 2019 and completing it in December 2022. Phase three preparatory works started in February 2020 and main construction started in April 2021. In November 2022, construction of the new bridge beams commenced. The scheme was due to complete this year this has now been revised to 2026 due to the bridge design issues. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 12, 2025
Hazardous Materials In Manchester Water As National Highways Assets Uninspected Since 2007
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Hazardous Materials In Manchester Water As National Highways Assets Uninspected Since 2007Watercourses around motorways in Greater Manchester could be filled with hazardous materials as National Highways has failed to inspect runoff interceptors designed to to prevent this since as long ago as 2007 - an oversight that has been compared to the UK’s sewage scandal. The data was revealed under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act by National Highways in response to a request to reveal the inspection and maintenance schedules for runoff ponds and interceptors alongside motorways around the Greater Manchester area including the M56, M60 and M62. A member of the public made the request and passed the responses to NCE. What is road runoff? When vehicles are driven, they undergo wear and tear. Solid parts like tyres and brake pads shed tiny particles into the environment. In addition, liquids like fuel, oil and screen wash fall onto highways and are washed into drainage systems. A significant proportion of these pollutants will exit highways via less managed pathways like gulleys, but some will enter fully managed drainage systems which could feature hard engineering solutions such as oil and water separators and drainage ponds. Those engineered systems need to be maintained to work properly. The BS EN 858-2:2003 standard for separator systems says separators should “be serviced and maintained as a minimum on a six monthly basis”, according to environmental consultancy Adler & Allan. Stormwater Shepherds is a not-for-profit working to improve the health of waterways and its director of operations UK Jo Bradley said: “Although this isn’t a mandatory standard in the UK, it is recognised good practice and should be reflected in National Highways’ own maintenance schedules.” What did the FOI say? National Highways carries out inspections and maintenance of its runoff interceptors and ponds in Greater Manchester in-house. This is different to its regime for the M25, which NCE previously investigated, where this work is undertaken by to Connect Plus Services. Regarding its inspections in Greater Manchester, National Highways released data on the most recent inspection and cleanse dates of 35 interceptors and one runoff pond named “Kenworthy Lane Balancing Pond”. It also identified two interceptors on the A627M between Oldham and Rochdale, but the data on their inspection and cleanse dates was missing. In its FOI response, National Highways said the spreadsheets it provided “shows the information we hold in Confirm, our asset management database”. It went on to say: “Please note that the runoff ponds with inspections dating between 2007- 2012 are likely to have been inspected since, but our records are unable to verify this.” Despite the highways body carrying out the interceptor inspections itself, the FOI response said that for two assets on the A627M the request was refused because “National Highways does not hold this information”. No explanation was provided for why the information was not held. What did the data reveal? The data showed 37 interceptors located in Rochdale, Manchester, Bury, Tameside, Stockport and Trafford. Of the 35 interceptors where dates were available, the last inspection and cleanse dates ranged from 2007 to 2018, but the inspections and cleans were always carried out on the same day. Seven interceptors were last inspected and cleaned in 2007, meaning they have been left to accumulate runoff for up to 18 years. Cleanses are always recorded to have taken place on the same day as the last inspection. One was last inspected and cleaned in 2009, seven in 2010, two in 2012, one in 2015, five in 2016, and the remaining 12 with dates listed were last cleaned in 2018 – seven years ago. National Highways said it last looked at the Kenworthy Lane Balancing Pond in 2022 and did not clean it because it had been cleaned recently. Visual evidence that the ponds have not been cleaned While National Highways claimed that “runoff ponds with inspections dating between 2007- 2012 are likely to have been inspected since”, on-the-ground inspection reveals this is in fact unlikely. Bradley visited one of National Highways’ interceptors between junctions 6 and 7 on the M60 and found it overgrown with evidence of historic fly tipping having taken place. A photo of a sign which says 'PCD' meaning pollution control device, which is a runoff interceptor, with fly tipping visible in the foreground. Source: Jo Bradley “You know that they haven’t been emptied for 15 years; we can see that because we can see that the trees have grown up around the manholes and the around the device,” Bradley said. “And those should have been inspected every six months and emptied when the sediment traps were 80% full. National Highways’ own guidance is every two years as a minimum.” Explaining how the devices are supposed to work, she said: “Oil/water separators are simply big vessels that rely on residence time. As long as it’s big enough, and it was designed well, the runoff will reside in there when it’s raining for [approximately] six minutes, and some of the sediment will settle out. “As long as you empty it and clean it and reinstate it, it should still work. It’s very simple physics.” She also explained how the devices could be returned to their operating function. “[National Highways] would have to go and find the manholes, and then clear access to the manholes, and then empty the tank. “After however long it’s been since they emptied this one, it would be tough, because the sediment congeals. It goes really hard because it’s grit and dirt and organic matter. It becomes quite difficult to shift. “National Highways would have to get a specialist contractor in to empty it. And then it should empty it every two years”, she said. Environmentalists say runoff mitigation ‘low priority’ for National Highways Friends of the Earth nature campaigner Paul de Zylva analysed the data shared by National Highways under the FOI Act. “It’s increasingly clear that on top of the sewage scandal, our rivers and waters courses are also in a poor state due to pollution flowing off the nation’s roads and verges,” de Zylva said. “This ‘road run-off’ includes engine oil, brake dust and fluid, and heavy metals from vehicles. These toxins often combine with tiny rubber particles from eroded tyres and microplastics from discarded litter - particularly take away food packaging. “Over time, these pollutants get blown and washed into rivers and waterways near to roads, where they’re carried far and wide. Unfortunately, this seems to be a low priority for our highways authorities and the Environment Agency, as the lack of inspections reflect.” National Highways commits to ‘reactive maintenance’ only A spokesperson from National Highways said: “National Highways is committed to improving water quality, and our Water Quality Plan sets out a high-level programme of work to address all our high-risk outfalls by 2030. “Our planned approach for Greater Manchester in 2025/26 is to inspect each interceptor annually and for reactive maintenance to be instructed on a needs basis following the inspection.” In August 2024, WSP was appointed to the role of technical partner on National Highways’ Water Quality Plan. The Water Quality Plan aims to “improve knowledge around water run-off from the strategic road network and mitigate the environmental impact of high-risk outfalls as part of National Highways’ Environmental Sustainability Strategy”, according to the consultancy. WSP said it would be supported by Mott MacDonald, Ramboll and Aecom to carry out the work.  “Working alongside our partners, WSP will provide strong programme management and delivery arrangements to March 2025, with scope to continue to 2030,” it said at the time of its appointment. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 11, 2025
£330M Upgrade To A30 In Cornwall Approaches Finalisation With Last Local Roads Works
New Civil Engineer (Road)
£330M Upgrade To A30 In Cornwall Approaches Finalisation With Last Local Roads WorksProgress continues on the local road connections alongside the new A30 dual carriageway in Cornwall to bring the £330M scheme to its completion. The newly dualled 14km stretch of the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross opened last June. Now National Highways, in collaboration with principal contractors Costain, is carrying out essential ancillary works, including the establishment of local road links, landscaping, and planting along the route. Upcoming changes include the completion of the old A30 near Zelah, which is set to be transformed into the new B3288 between Chybucca and Boxheater, with the change scheduled for the weekend of 1 and 2 March. To enable the final phase of verge and telecommunications work in the lead-up to this transition, the A30 will undergo full overnight closures between Mitchell and Chiverton from 17 to 22 February, with closures taking place from 8pm to 6am. Diversion routes will be clearly indicated, guiding traffic via the A3076 and A3075. Further modifications will see the old A30 between Carland Cross and Boxheater closed from 3 March for a period of four weeks, after which it will reopen as part of the new B3285. This closure is necessary to complete the construction of a multi-species tunnel and other finishing tasks required to connect different sections of the former A30. In addition, work on developing the Carland Cross junction is ongoing, with temporary overnight traffic lights and lane closures on the main A30 continuing until March to facilitate verge finishing work. The project team is in close communication with Cornwall Council and local stakeholders to keep communities informed as the project nears completion. Financial backing for the scheme has come from a combination of sources: an £8M grant from the European Regional Development Fund, an additional £12M dedicated to construction, and further contributions from central government funding. National Highways programme manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme Andrew Alcorn said: “Opening the new dual carriageway has made a significant and positive difference to the journeys of both local communities and businesses, and to the wider travelling public, and we’re now moving towards completing the scheme as a whole. “Traffic is now running smoothly on the new dual carriageway, we’re also progressing a significant amount of ancillary work, and while we progress towards completion, we thank people in advance for their co-operation and patience, and advise people to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys.” Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 11, 2025
Contractors Named On £800M East England Multi-Council Highways Framework
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Contractors Named On £800M East England Multi-Council Highways FrameworkNine different contractors have been named across three lots on the £800M Eastern Highways Alliance 4 (EHA4) framework. EHA4 was tendered by Central Bedfordshire Council last year at a value of double what had previously been anticipated. It is for use by 11 authorities: Central Bedfordshire Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Essex County Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Kent County Council, Luton Borough Council, Norfolk County Council, Peterborough City Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Suffolk County Council and Thurrock Council. The four-year contract is divided into three Lots. The winners on each are outlined below. Lot 1 - up to £5M Lot 2 – works between £5M - £30M Lot 3 - over £30M Octavius Infrastructure was on the previous iteration of the EHA framework and reacting to its appointment to all three lots on EHA4 the company’s managing director Gavin Pritchard said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to all three lots within the EHA Framework. From the feedback received we are particularly pleased to see how our submitted proposals resonated with the EHA reviewers, we look forward to developing these with EHA users over the coming years. “At Octavius we are continually striving to really understand the critical challenges facing Local Authorities and their communities. We then seek to identify the underlying root causes that we can control and apply in our decision making when determining our proposed project designs and methodologies. “We understand the importance of minimising disruption to businesses and neighbours, to work collaboratively and openly with stakeholders and community groups and always provide the clarity and accuracy in our project reporting and forecasting that enhances predictability of outcomes. “During our four-year participation in the EHA 3 Framework, we delivered more than £40M in social value to enhance wellbeing and economic growth, something we are very proud of. We will continue to work collaboratively with the users of the new EHA 4 Framework such that collectively we will maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits for those customers and, most importantly, their respective communities.” Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 10, 2025
Contractor Sought For £200M Highways Maintenance And Improvement Job In Southend-On-Sea
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Contractor Sought For £200M Highways Maintenance And Improvement Job In Southend-On-SeaA contractor is being sought for a £200M highways maintenance and improvement job in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The city council is seeking expressions of interest from organisations to maintain, manage and improve its highway network and associated assets. It is looking for a single supplier to for the contract, which is initially for 84 months (seven years). Tasks expected to be carried out under the contract terms include immediate and emergency services, highway inspection or reported defects, local structure repair, programmed carriageway and footway resurfacing, coastal protection as well as public realm and highway improvements. The contract further calls for winter maintenance works and highway verge maintenance. Documents released by Southend-on-Sea City Council also call for professional services to be conducted for the contract, including project planning, design and documentation, project management, tendering and procurement, constructions supervision and post construction services. The scope noted under the contract terms involves undertaking the role of the principal contractor for all projects under the contract, providing and managing people, plant and materials and other resources and maintaining a supply chain of specialist contractors for implementation of specialist products on an ad-hoc basis. Southend-on-Sea City Council is also looking for the contracted organisation to be able to provide timely and accurate data to inform, support and justify the contract performance measurements. The contract notice further requests those wishing to bid to have the capacity to confirm the presence of utilities plant and apparatus on site. Key objectives as outlined in the contract notice are: The contract is initially to last seven years, 84 months, but holds the option to extend by a period up to a further seven years, in increments of a year. Therefore, if all extensions were taken the full contract duration would be 14 years. Those looking to respond to the contract notice have until 12pm 10 March. Invitations to tender will be dispatched on 2 April. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 07, 2025
Dft Commits £90M To Four Major Road Schemes Across England
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Dft Commits £90M To Four Major Road Schemes Across EnglandDrivers in Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex, and Buckinghamshire are set to benefit from faster travel times following the announcement of £90M in Department for Transport (DfT) funding for four significant road improvement projects. The funding is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster infrastructure and enhance economic growth throughout the country. The four funding boosted schemes are detailed below. A350 Chippenham Bypass (Wiltshire) This project involves the final phases of dualling the A350 in Chippenham, with funding of £26.625M allocated from the DfT. The overall cost is estimated at £32M, with Wiltshire Council expected to cover the remaining expenses. The contractor for the project, local firm MJ Church, was appointed in December 2023 and will start work this spring, aiming for completion by winter 2026. Phases 4 and 5 are the final stages of the dualling project and will turn the remaining single carriageway sections of the A350 at Chippenham into dual carriageway, while also improving Bumpers Farm roundabout. The enhancements will improve connectivity to Bumpers Farm industrial estate and significantly reduce travel times along this vital route between the M4 and the south coast. Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways Nick Holder said: We’re delighted to have received this funding from the Department for Transport and we can now get on with delivering the project.” A350 Chippenham Bypass scheme overview A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass (Leeds) With funding of £35.709M from the government, this scheme will address longstanding congestion issues at the A647 junction, which has particularly affected bus services. The project has also received £7M  from West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Planned improvements include the replacement of the existing roundabout, replace joints on the A647 Stanningley Bypass and the introduction of dedicated bus lanes and better facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. The A6120 ring road will be widened for a shared pedestrian and cycle route, while the A647 Stanningley Bypass will also be widened to accommodate more lanes. The aim is to alleviate traffic delays, improve air quality, and support economic growth in the Leeds and Bradford areas. The scheme was granted planning permission in October 2022 and business case was submitted in March 2024 with preparatory ground investigation work underway and the safety critical repair works to Stanningley Bypass have been ongoing since May 2021. All the third party land required to build the scheme has been purchased. Subject to contractor approvals the main works are planned to start later this year take up to 15 months to complete. Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development Jonathn Pryor said: “I am delighted with the news that the Department for Transport £35.709 million funding has been granted. The need to improve Dawsons Corner junction has been a major priority for some time. It’s important not only to improve traffic flow and air quality, but also support essential links to future housing growth and developments and for people to be able to access jobs more easily with consistent travel times.” Proposed Dawsons Corner design layout South-East Aylesbury Link Road (Buckinghamshire) Currently under construction in two segments, this new dual carriageway will span 1.7km and includes three roundabout junctions and a bridge over the railway to London and has received around £12.7M in funding from the DfT. Phase 1 will connect to the proposed Southern Link Road through the Hampden Fields development,b uild 2 new roundabouts on the B4443 Lower Road and A413 Wendover Road, construct approximately 1.2km of dual carriageway, build a road bridge crossing the Aylesbury to Marylebone railway line, provide a replacement public open space for the Stoke Grange and Wendover Park estates and underground the existing overhead electricity cables to the north of the proposed road. Phase 2 will construct approximately 500m of dual carriageway and build a new roundabout connecting the Stoke Mandeville Relief Road and the future South West Aylesbury Link Road (SWALR). With Galliford Try appointed as the contractor for the remaining works, the project is on track for completion before autumn 2026. The shorter phase 2 should be completed this year. Once complete, the South-East Aylesbury Link Road will form a crucial part of a new Orbital Link Road around Aylesbury providing a new route around the town, significantly easing congestion through the town centre and delivering new cycling and walking routes. This road will provide a critical bypass for Aylesbury, enhance traffic flow, and facilitate plans for up to 1,000 new homes in the area. Overview of South-East Aylesbury Link Road scheme A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange (Essex) The government will invest £15M in this much-needed upgrade to the Fairglen Interchange, supplementing £38M already pledged by Essex County Council and £6.2M from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. The scheme will include: The upgrades are essential to accommodate future housing developments, projected to bring 60,000 new homes by 2043. With the funding now secured, Essex County Council will look to appoint a contractor. Overview of A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange scheme The DfT’s overall £90M investment in these four schemes aims not only to expedite travel for motorists but also to stimulate local economies by reducing congestion and improving access to job markets. The government has emphasised its commitment to renew public infrastructure as part of its Plan for Change, which includes a record investment of £1.6 billion to enhance road surfaces across the UK. The DfT’s overall £90M investment in these four schemes aims not only to expedite travel for motorists but also to stimulate local economies by reducing congestion and improving access to job markets. The government has emphasised its commitment to renew public infrastructure as part of its Plan for Change, which includes a record investment of £1.6 billion to enhance road surfaces across the UK. The future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: “The UK’s roads are the backbone of a growing economy, which is why we’re giving these vital schemes the go ahead, helping deliver our Plan for Change. “Economic growth has been stunted for too long, so we’re giving the green light and investing in vital schemes to help people get from A to B more easily however they choose to travel.” Logistics UK deputy director, policy Michelle Gardner said: “80% of UK freight travels on roads at some point on its journey to the end user and an efficient road network is critical to enable business to drive growth across the whole economy. “Congestion makes journey planning highly unpredictable which increases business costs through factors such as missed deliveries, unnecessary overtime, increased fuel consumption and inefficient fleet utilisation. “The schemes given the go-ahead today show how even smaller-scale strategic upgrades can have a dramatic impact across the whole network. Upgrading the national infrastructure in this way makes supply chains more resilient and enables logistics providers to ensure that the right goods are in the right place at the right time – whether that is a factory, office, hospital or doorstep.” Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 07, 2025
Graham And Aecom Appointed For £332M Didcot Infrastructure Scheme
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Graham And Aecom Appointed For £332M Didcot Infrastructure SchemeOxfordshire County Council has confirmed contracts with Graham Construction and Aecom for the second stage of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure scheme. The project is known as Highways England Infrastructure Fund (HIF1) and represents a total investment of £332M. Graham is responsible for the detailed design of the Culham river crossing and the Clifton Hampden bypass, while Aecom will oversee the design for the Didcot Science Bridge and the widening of the A4130. Both designs will incorporate dedicated facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along the entire route. The project, which aims to improve transport links and accessibility in the region, received a green light from the Secretary of state for housing, communities and local government Angela Rayner in December. HIF1 has received funding from various sources, including grants from Homes England, a £30M allocation from Oxfordshire County Council’s capital budget, and a £10M contribution from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which is derived from business rates retention. Map of the four elements of the HIF1 Didcot scheme The HIF1 Didcot scheme consists of four major components: A4130 Widening: This involves transforming the existing single carriageway into a dual carriageway east of the Milton Interchange, complemented by 1.6km of segregated walking and cycling paths. A new roundabout and a signalised junction will be constructed to improve traffic flow. Didcot Science Bridge: A new three-span bridge will be built to span the A4130, Great Western mainline railway, and Milton Road. This link will also create a connection through the former Didcot A Power Station site back to the A4130. Didcot to Culham River Crossing: This project element will create a single carriageway link between Didcot and Culham, integrating new bridges over the River Thames and Appleford Railway sidings, along with enhanced walking and cycling facilities. Upgrades will also be made to local junctions and bus stops. Clifton Hampden Bypass: A new 2.2km single carriageway will connect the A415 at Culham to the B4015 north of Clifton Hampden, offering a bypass for the village. This will also include pedestrian and cycling amenities, with a roundabout providing access to key locations such as the Culham Science Centre and the local railway station. Detailed design is currently underway and construction is slated to begin in early 2026. Visualisation of the Didcot to Culham river crossing Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy Judy Roberts said: “Graham has worked on similar projects around the country and have a high commitment to social value and giving back to the local area. Its bid was successful as they understood the scheme and its complexities and how the four elements need to tie together. “Aecom has been involved in the project since its inception and has supported us through the planning application process. Its knowledge of the scheme will be invaluable in progressing the project towards construction. “This transformative infrastructure development will offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and support the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the Science Vale region.” Graham contracts director Andrew Henry said: “Graham has been working closely with the council and key stakeholders since April 2023 through early contractor involvement. This collaborative approach has enabled us to develop the detailed design for these significant infrastructure projects while actively engaging with third-party stakeholders such as Thames Water and Openreach to coordinate necessary utility diversions. As we deliver this transformative project, we will focus on working closely with the local community to create a lasting impact that benefits everyone”. Aecom director for streets, surface transportation, aviation and ports Mark Saunders said: “Since our involvement in the concept and planning stages of the scheme began in early 2019, Aecom is delighted to continue working with Oxfordshire County Council on the detailed design phase. Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of the scheme, we are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to deliver the best possible outcomes for Didcot and the surrounding area.” Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 07, 2025
£100M Overhaul Of M2 Junction 5 In Kent Completed
New Civil Engineer (Road)
£100M Overhaul Of M2 Junction 5 In Kent CompletedThe £100M improvement scheme at the M2 junction 5 in Kent has reached completion, promising significant upgrades to one of the country’s busiest and historically dangerous intersections. The project was carried out by Graham on behalf of National Highways and was initiated in June 2021 under Road Investment Strategy (RIS 2). It aims to improve connectivity, safety and overall traffic flow. Situated at the crucial junction of the M2 and A249, the upgrade is expected to enhance travel between the Isle of Sheppey, Maidstone and the M20 motorway – one of the main routes linking Dover to London and Sheerness. Key features of the renovation include the newly constructed Stockbury flyover, which spans roughly 1.5km. This bridge is designed to alleviate congestion by removing the need for vehicles to navigate the heavily trafficked Stockbury roundabout. Built with 1,500 customised Reinforced Earth RECO panels, the flyover aesthetically integrates with the surrounding landscape, incorporating locally sourced flint and cobble to reflect the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Two substantial reinforced concrete bridges that support the flyover were installed using a 450t mobile crane, with operations carried out during August and October 2023, all without disrupting the flow of traffic. In addition to the flyover, the improvements include the addition of two new slip roads that provide motorists direct access from the A249 to the M2, effectively bypassing the Stockbury roundabout and further reducing congestion. A redesigned gyratory system for the existing roundabout is also part of the upgrade, and it now features the removal of previous traffic lights, along with a new, safer link road connecting Maidstone Road and Oad Street. Graham engaged actively with the local community throughout the project. Initiatives included support for local facilities, volunteer days and charitable contributions to organisations such as Demelza Hospice, Maidstone Homeless Care and Dandelion Time. This community-focused approach earned the project top marks from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reflecting a strong commitment to social value and environmental responsibility. Graham contracts director Dave Brown said: “It is with great pride that we announce the successful completion of the M2 Junction 5 Improvements Scheme, which is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of the entire team. We are proud to deliver a project that not only improves safety and connectivity for motorists, but leaves a lasting positive impact on the community. “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their efforts and the local residents for their support throughout this journey.” National Highways project manager Jilwan Rahimi said: “We are incredibly proud to have completed a project of this scale and be leaving behind a positive legacy for the local community. “We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding while carrying out this work, which will provide smoother and safer journeys for thousands of road users every day.”   Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 06, 2025
Contractors Alerted To £60M Ring Road Opportunity At £4Bn Somerset Gigafactory
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Contractors Alerted To £60M Ring Road Opportunity At £4Bn Somerset GigafactoryAgratas has alerted the market that it will be procuring for the construction of a £60M ring road at its £4bn electric vehicle battery factory in Somerset. Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, is developing the battery cell manufacturing facility which will be located on the Gravity Smart Campus south of Bristol, near Bridgwater. Last summer it named Sir Robert McAlpine as the principal contractor on the project. Now the company has released a prior information notice (PIN) about an opportunity to build the Gravity Ring Road at the site to “facilitate access” to the new gigafactory. The PIN says: “This will include construction of roundabouts to provide access, culverts and foundations, surface water drainage systems inclusive of a master rhyne, street furniture, signage, lighting and landscaping. The ground works will consist of preloading and band drains to achieve early settlement.” Agratas is leading the development and will be the contracting entity, although the scheme “may be funded by Enterprise funding through Somerset Council and as such this will be following the public contract regulations”. The first phase of the procurement for the project will see a tender list developed through a pre-qualification questionnaire process, based on the available RIBA Stage 3 design. “The Invitation to Tender is proposed to be based on RIBA Stage 3 Design, and selected tenders will be invited to submit a final price (Best and Final Offer stage) based on RIBA Stage 4 design,” the PIN continues. “The proposed form of contract will be the NEC [New Engineering Contract] Option C. Phase 2 and 3 works maybe be negotiated with the appointed contractor for Phase 1 based on RIBA Stage 4 design. Note these phases may be delivered individually.” The official contract notice is expected to be publish on 25 February. On the same day there will be a market engagement session between 2pm and 4.30pm at the 37 Sports & Social Club in Puriton, Bridgwater. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 05, 2025
Lower Thames Crossing Improves Green Credentials With New 70% Carbon Reduction Target
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Lower Thames Crossing Improves Green Credentials With New 70% Carbon Reduction TargetThe £9bn Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project to construct a new tunnel under the Thames Estuary between Kent and Essex is now targeting a 70% reduction in its construction carbon emissions, up from the 50% reduction pledged in its development consent order (DCO) application. The figures are measured against a 2020 baseline. The new pledge is announced alongside the release of the project’s second annual sustainability report. LTC will feature 23km of new road connecting the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex, featuring a 4.2km tunnel under the River Thames. Members of the LTC team have stated that this new carbon cutting “ambition” has been made possible thanks to the project’s delivery partners’ and suppliers’ commitment to making the new crossing “the greenest road ever built in the UK”. Bouygues Travaux Publics and Murphy Joint Venture (BMJV) has the £1.34bn Tunnels and Approaches contract for LTC , while Balfour Beatty has the £1.2bn Roads North of the Thames Contract and Skanska was awarded the £450M Kent Roads contract. The 70% cut equates to a target of less than 840,000t of carbon emitted in total during the construction of the project. This will be achieved by taking a “forensic approach” to reducing carbon with the design of the new road being refined and committing to only using low-carbon steel and concrete, according to National Highways. It also includes removing all diesel from its construction sites by 2027, by accelerating the large-scale use of electric vehicles and plant and using hydrogen to power its heavy construction machinery, which would be a first for a major project in the UK. Award of the contract for the supply of hydrogen is expected to take place later this year. The procurement process for the hydrogen supplier was restarted in summer 2024, a year after the £50M first offer was tendered, at a value of £80M, despite the amount of hydrogen required decreasing. The project is also in the final stages of running a low-carbon footbridge contest to find a sustainable design for a bridge over the A127, which could also be used across the wider road network. Launched at NCE’s Bridges Conference in July last year, LTC programme director Shaun Pidcock stated the competiton was looking for innovators to “push the boundaries” of what a footbridge could do. Five shortlisted entries for the design contest were revealed in December in anticipation of the winner being announced in spring 2025. National Highways has designated LTC as a carbon neutral construction “pathfinder” project that is aiming to set new standards for building infrastructure by pioneering and scaling up approaches to low-carbon construction. By working closely with its three delivery partners and supply chain the project became the first major project in the UK to have a legally binding carbon footprint limit when it submitted it in its DCO application in October 2022. As yet, the scheme has not yet received planning permission, with the deadline for the decision regarding its DCO having been continually delayed. A decision is now expected by 23 May. The lack of a DCO has added to the uncertainty surrounding the project’s timeline and its ultimate realisation. However, chancellor Rachel Reeves in last month’s Plan For Change speech confirmed that the government is investigating private financing options for the delivery of LTC, which has been taken as a strong sign that the project will receive the green light. Plans to make LTC “the greenest road ever built in the UK” include building a tunnel rather than a bridge to avoid protected wetlands and marshes, and seven green bridges that would provide safe crossing points for people and wildlife.  The project is planting at least 1M additional trees, creating a new community woodland at Hole Farm and new public parks in Thurrock and Gravesham. The project will also promote active travel by creating or improving almost 64km of pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The full LTC sustainability report 2024/2025 can be found here. LTC supply chain development director Katharina Ferguson said: “The LTC will not only tackle congestion and unlock economic growth in the UK, with our partners and suppliers we will create a new blueprint for how we build low-carbon infrastructure and leave a legacy of jobs, skills and green spaces for the local community. “With millions invested in local projects and a new community woodland at Hole Farm on track to open next year, we’re already making a difference, well before work on the new road gets underway.” ‘Green lipstick on a pig’ Anti-roads campaign group Transport Action Network (TAN) has scoffed at the claims from National Highways about LTC being the “greenest road ever built in the UK” and claims that the organisation is “rattled” by the news about private funding being sought. TAN director Chris Todd said: “National Highways is making ever more desperate attempts to keep this doomed scheme afloat. The chancellor’s admission she cannot pay for the Lower Thames Crossing and that the private sector needs to step in clearly has it rattled. “With the government committed to cut emissions by 81% by 2035 and weather extremes increasing, we can find greener ways to build for urgently needed public transport and flood protection schemes. By contrast, trying to green a hugely damaging road scheme is like putting green lipstick on a pig. Not a pretty sight. “Everyone will end up paying the price if the Lower Thames Crossing goes ahead with private finance. It will cause seven years of delays while it is built, for only five years relief at Dartford, with tolls increasing at both crossings to pay back investors. It is not fit for purpose and no amount of greenwashing will make it so.” Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 04, 2025
The Pothole Issue Boils Down To A Miscommunication Between The Dft And Local Authorities
New Civil Engineer (Road)
The Pothole Issue Boils Down To A Miscommunication Between The Dft And Local AuthoritiesA recent report from the House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee contains recommendations for the Department for Transport (DfT) to address the pothole crisis facing our country once and for all and has been welcomed by the civil engineering industry. Paul Thompson is technical development and specification manager at Wrekin We at Wrekin have welcomed the report’s recommendations stating a larger onus needs to be placed on funding long term, preventative solutions over band-aid reactions to the UK’s pothole problem. While 7M more potholes are set to be repaired this year through £1.6bn in funding, I believe no amount of money will fix the underlying issue if only its symptoms are treated. Potholes are more than a surface issue. Unfortunately, the approach we’ve seen local authorities taking to address the nationwide pothole crisis oftentimes seems to treat them as just that — surface-level. The result of this approach is a worsening problem with public expenditure being spent on providing little to no help in combatting the root cause of the issue. Additionally, road users are helping to foot the bill, which leads to heightened scrutiny. Recent AA figures show the overall UK repair bill for affected cars in 2024 rose from £474M the year before to £579M - the highest on record. One error that is leading to this, as the report discusses, is the DfT’s annual funding arrangements to local authorities not being based on the needs and requirements of the reality of each area’s roads. Currently, funding is provided based on road length and number of bridges, with as many as twelve funding pots over the last decade confusingly being made available, and each increasingly focussing on repairs rather than maintenance and improvement. At some point we have crossed the threshold from developing our roadway infrastructure to forestalling a collapsing one. Unfortunately, this shift of focus from improvements to repairs that is prevailing in local authorities, and caused by extraneous factors, is costing the country, and the everyday person, more in the long run. Additionally, recent urban planning trends are further exacerbating the issue. Retrofitting roads to accommodate cycling and bus lanes means a narrower travelable area on the road for regular vehicles and more usage of that area, resulting in greater wear and tear. More and more we’re seeing local authorities aware of this issue and their approach, but unable to take the necessary steps to change it. We believe the true issue boils down to a miscommunication between the DfT and local authorities, and we agree with the report’s recommendations. We want to see the DfT change and increase its support to the maintenance of roads through more thorough and accurate data collection and provide updated guidance and best practice. We also believe that increased communication and liaison with the private sector will be of benefit to the DfT in producing best practice and guidance to ensure they create the greatest possible impact as quickly as possible. Other areas of construction have found success with this approach, so it makes sense ours will to. Working with local authorities for many years, we’re fully aware of the power that correctly installed high quality materials can have on the likelihood of potholes forming. Issues tend to arise when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Addressing these weaknesses stops the cycle before it can begin. For example, we’ve had our ironwork beneath Picadilly Circus, one of the busiest roads in the world, for more than 17 years. With the DfT’s figures showing more than 70M vehicle miles were travelled on roads in City of London in 2023, it’s testament to our right first-time approach that the cover has endured countless vehicles travel over it without issues arising. This is due to its incredibly high-quality design and manufacturing, as well as correct installation guaranteeing a long-lasting solution. If covers suitable for this load class can survive double decker buses for 16 years and have no signs of yielding any time soon, they should be the default choice. Though the initial cost of measures like this are higher than patchwork repairs, soon enough the expenses from further repairs, disruption to roads while carrying them out and damage to vehicles from untreated potholes makes the potential savings for local authorities and their residents alike astronomical. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Feb 04, 2025
Delays In Investment Could Compromise Safety As ‘Disquiet’ In State Of Assets Grows, Ice Warns
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Delays In Investment Could Compromise Safety As ‘Disquiet’ In State Of Assets Grows, Ice WarnsPostponing investment in the UK’s transport infrastructure could lead to serious safety concerns against a backdrop of “disquiet” concerning the state of assets, a new report by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has warned. The ICE’s new State of the Nation report, titled Infrastructure in 2025, identifies urgent areas that require strategic funding and long-term planning, focusing on transport, energy and water systems.  It states that there are serious concerns that are emerging regarding the condition of critical infrastructure, particularly ageing highways assets, and more must be done to ensure the safety of the UK public going forward.  The report further reveals how there exists a growing disquiet about the resilience of many transport assets, with bridges being the biggest concern. This information was gleaned from three roundtable discussions the ICE held between technical experts working across the UK.  As quoted in the report, the experts said: “Parts of the transport network are perhaps not as safe as the public thinks, while some structures should have usage restrictions but don’t.”  ICE further reports that across Europe highway authorities have been expressing grave concerns about the state of their assets. On 16 April 2024, members of the Conference of European Directors of Roads issued a stark warning about the deterioration of key infrastructure they own and operate. Discussing this, the report cites the Dublin declaration, signed by national authorities collectively managing more than 1M.km of highways.   The declaration states: “The preservation of the pan-European road network requires close attention, as it is showing its age after decades of service.  “This particularly concerns the most critical parts of our networks: our bridges and tunnels.”  While ICE makes it clear that highways are deteriorating, not just in the UK, but all over Europe, it is also keen to point out how there is a degree of inertia around engineers highlighting the need to do something.  Experts at the roundtables concluded: “How should professionals communicate when it’s not the case that a structure is ‘going to fall down tomorrow’ but it has changed from being acceptably safe to unacceptably safe?”  With this in mind, the ICE is urging more engineers to come forward regarding the dangers posed by the ageing assets before it’s too late.  The report states: “Members need to be honest about the risks such assets carry, which means helping non-technical decision-makers to understand the ramifications of choosing to invest elsewhere.   “If such facts [the dangers and disquiet about them] were more widely known, the government would have to act.   “Engineers need to warn policy-makers about the risks. Politicians don’t tend to grasp these until an asset fails. Even then, the attention that a problem receives in the media and political sphere tends to be fleeting – and promises can be clawed back.”  The report further highlights the accelerating impact of climate change on the UK’s aging infrastructure, suggesting that without prompt investment, the safety and reliability of essential services could be severely compromised. ICE is urging policymakers to break away from the cycle of short-term thinking and to engage in collaborative planning that prioritises long-term solutions.  It states: “Another difficult conversation is needed about the prevailing maintenance practice that can be described as changing the brake pads while driving.   “One-year funding windows, budget cuts and the advancing age of assets have been rendering this approach unfeasible. But, in any case, it’s not fair on the front-line workers who must often make repairs in dangerous conditions while facing the ire of frustrated road users.”  In order to combat the issues, the ICE has warned that some structures may require usage restrictions and is advocating for initiatives such as the bridge near-miss reporting campaign to enhance safety awareness and maintenance.  The report states: “With such concerns in mind, the ICE has been engaged in a joint initiative encouraging bridge designers, builders and maintainers worldwide to take more responsibility for preventing further calamitous failures.   “In May 2024, it joined forces with the UK Bridges Board and the Bridge Owners Forum to encourage civil engineers and other professionals to report close calls and so-called precursor events to Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety UK (CROSS-UK).   “Improving people’s knowledge, recognition and reporting of precursor events is known to be vital in preventing these from leading to more serious incidents.   “Examples of precursor events include the unexpected failure of a component; structural cracks that appear or reopen after repairs; and other signs of distress that can’t be explained. This approach – endorsed by the Infrastructure Client Group – reflects best practice originally established in the aviation industry.”  A further measure of ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure the report notes is the recognition that advanced digital tools can enable assets to be maintained and renewed in “more productive, cost-effective and sustainable ways.”  The Forth Road Bridge is used as case study in the report, where this “well-worn” 60-year-old structure is being “nursed” using digital tools such as structural health monitoring.  This solution is known as an acoustic monitoring system, which uses tiny microphones that are sensitive enough to detect the sounds made by breakages in the suspension cables’ 5mm-diameter wires.  Beyond the current state of assets, the convergence of several factors, namely climate change, lack of maintenance, supply chain issues and a skills gap, is further impeding the infrastructure industry by creating a “perfect storm” for the UK.   Further issues the report highlights include;  Energy security: With energy security becoming a pressing concern amid the climate crisis, the report calls for diversification of energy sources. It suggests that tidal energy offers significant potential and recommends that civil engineering professionals explore this resource. The UK aims to cut emissions from 1990 levels by 81% by 2035, making it essential to expand renewable energy options.  Water supply challenges: The water sector is facing mounting pressures from climate change, ageing infrastructure, and the demand for decarbonisation. The report predicts that the UK’s daily water demand may surpass supply by more than a third within 25 years. While initiatives to reduce leakage and build new reservoirs are already in motion, increasing the recycling of treated wastewater is also presented as a vital part of the solution.  ICE president Jim Hall said: “Now is the time to establish a clear vision of how infrastructure can contribute to a better future for the UK. We need real prioritisation and long-term strategic thinking, and we need to apply creative solutions to the challenges we face.   “All this needs to be supported by committed investment.  "This is not a report full of wild, uncosted, undeliverable ideas. It is the reasoned opinion of practitioners and researchers at the cutting edge of infrastructure."  Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
road-bridge
Jan 30, 2025