HS2 Latest

Thursday 01^st February 2024: This week’s civil engineering insights and top stories.

In today’s edition:

• HS2 Progress: Transforming Birmingham's Transport Landscape 🚄🏙️

• Laing O'Rourke Announces Job Cuts 📉🚧

• £300m Thames Flood Scheme Seeks Contractor 💰🌊

RAIL

Latest HS2 Progress: Transforming Birmingham's Transport Landscape

What happened: HS2 marks significant progress in Birmingham: Earthworks at Curzon Street Station have begun, with main building construction set for summer. Meanwhile, HS2 reveals contenders for the £65m Automated People Mover (APM) at Interchange station in Solihull – Doppelmayr Cable Car UK Limited and POMA S.A.S.

Why it matters: Curzon Street Station, poised to be the first new intercity terminus since the 19th century, will be net zero carbon in operation. Its ‘BREEAM excellent’ design incorporates eco-friendly features, including rainwater capture, solar panels and landscaped public spaces.

The APM, integral to HS2's vision, connects key points like the NEC and Birmingham Airport, offering an eco-friendly transit option for thousands.

What they said: Andrew Cubitt, HS2’s Procurement Director, hails AMP as a connectivity boost.

Big picture: HS2's vision transforms travel and regional growth, cutting London-Birmingham journey times and revitalising Birmingham with new jobs and homes.

By the numbers:

• Curzon Street: £724m in regeneration, 4,000 homes, 36,000 jobs.

• APM: Designed for 2,100 people per hour each way, expandable to 3,900, with a six-minute end-to-end journey.

• Interchange Station: Central to Solihull's £3.2bn Arden Cross development, expecting to support 27,000 jobs, 3,000 homes, and 557,500 m2 of commercial space.

CONSTRUCTION

Laing O'Rourke Announces Job Cuts

Laing O'Rourke makes redundancies following a £288m pre-tax loss, with its financial stability at serious risk of distress, according to financial analysts at Company Watch. Despite full order books, project delays force cost reductions, impacting 60 roles at its Nottinghamshire Centre of Excellence.

WATER & FLOODS

£300m Thames Flood Scheme Seeks Contractor

The Environment Agency and Surrey County Council are searching for a construction partner for the £300 million River Thames Scheme, aimed at flood protection from Teddington to Egham, including two major channel sections and infrastructure upgrades.

BRIDGES

M42 Bridge Demolition Accelerated

After two HGV strikes in one week, a bridge over the M42 used by HS2 crews will be demolished early, planned for 9-12 February. The decision follows 20 strikes in a decade, with no replacement bridge planned by HS2 Ltd.

STANDARDS

BSI Updates Concrete Standards

The British Standards Institution now permits limestone and ash or slag in concrete, marking a significant shift to reduce carbon emissions. This change could save UK construction a million tonnes of CO2 annually, aligning with net zero goals.

HIGHWAYS

Banwell Bypass Gets Green Light

North Somerset Council can proceed with the £57m Banwell bypass near Weston Super Mare, aiming to ease traffic and support housing development. The project, starting in spring, received government approval for compulsory land purchases.

RAIL

£70m Metro Depot Completed in Newcastle

The Tyne and Wear Metro's new £70m Gosforth Depot, built by Stadler, marks a key step in the £362m fleet project. Designed with green features, it promises improved maintenance and reliability for the new and existing train fleets.

TUNNELS

Engineering Firms Unite for Tunnel Innovations

Royal HaskoningDHV, Witteveen+Bos, and Ramboll partner to advance tunnel engineering, focusing on safety, sustainability, and lifecycle management. Their collaboration aims to set new standards in design and environmental stewardship, leveraging a collective expertise of over 25,000 engineers.

PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS

ICE Seeks New Trustees for Key Portfolios

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is looking for trustees to oversee the learning society, professional conduct and ethics, and policy and external affairs portfolios. Apply by March 1, 2024.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Peterhead Power Station: Transitioning to a Cleaner Future

Join the ICE on 12th February at The Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, as SSE Thermal and Equinor explore the journey towards decarbonised power generation, incorporating cutting-edge carbon capture technology.

OCTAVIUS INFRASTRUCTURE

Introducing "Foundations"

We're excited to introduce a new section in Civil Edge called "Foundations". Here, we'll uncover the fascinating journeys of individuals and companies that have left an indelible mark on the world of civil engineering. Our inaugural spotlight shines on Octavius Infrastructure, tracing its remarkable transformation from Osborne to industry leadership.

The Rise of Octavius Infrastructure

Octavius Infrastructure's evolution from Osborne to industry prominence exemplifies adaptability and strategic foresight. Under Sullivan Street Partners' guidance, it has cemented its status as a Tier 1 supplier in the transport infrastructure sector through strategic acquisitions and a commitment to innovation and sustainability.