Sizewell C Ground-Freezing Trials | HS2 Bridge Slide | £60m Bridge Upgrade

Wednesday 15^th January 2025: Your weekly civil engineering roundup.

In today’s edition:

• Sizewell C Trials Ground-Freezing Tech

• HS2 Prepares for Warwickshire Bridge Slide

• £60m West Coast Main Line Bridge Replacement Begins

...and much more!

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ENERGY

Sizewell C Trials Ground-Freezing Tech

Strabag UK has begun artificial ground freezing trials at Suffolk's Sizewell C nuclear site. This method uses -35°C brine to create an ice wall, stabilising soil during excavation. Sizewell C aims to generate 3.2GW of low-carbon electricity, powering 6 million homes.

HS2

HS2 Prepares for Warwickshire Bridge Slide

HS2 has installed 120 massive beams for a 14,500-tonne box structure beneath the A46 in Warwickshire. This innovative method will slide the bridge into place, minimising traffic disruption during construction.

HS2 Seeks Curzon Street Station Design Changes

HS2 has applied to Birmingham City Council for 14 design modifications to Curzon Street Station, including switching roof materials from timber to aluminium and reconfiguring concourse areas to enhance accessibility and passenger experience.

Old Oak Common Station Faces Land Acquisition Hurdle

Network Rail has six months to secure land from the Crown Estate for a maintenance depot near the Old Oak Common station. Delays could impact the station's construction timeline.

CONSTRUCTION

UK Construction Growth Slows in October

The UK's construction activity decelerated in October, with the PMI dropping to 54.3 from September's 57.2. Civil engineering led at 56.2, while housing dipped below 50, indicating contraction. Elevated borrowing costs and political uncertainty were key factors.

PEOPLE

Nuclear Workforce Surpasses Oil and Gas

The UK's nuclear sector now employs 65,000 workers, surpassing the oil and gas industry's 61,000. Despite this growth, 68% of nuclear firms report recruitment challenges, particularly for engineers and project managers.

BRIDGES

£60m West Coast Main Line Bridge Replacement Begins

Network Rail has initiated a £60m project to replace the Clifton bridge near Penrith, Cumbria, on the West Coast Main Line. The new structure will enhance safety and reliability for both rail and road users.

Hungerford Bridge Begins Major Restoration

Network Rail has commenced a three-year refurbishment of the 161-year-old Hungerford railway bridge in London. The project includes testing truss pins, replacing girder end caps, and repainting to preserve the historic structure.

FINANCIAL UPDATES

Galldris Reports £21m Pre-Tax Profit

Galldris Construction has reported a pre-tax profit of £21m for the year ending March 2024, up from £880,000 the previous year. The company's trading margin increased from 4.5% to 11%, driven by selective bidding and cost-plus contracts.

Galliford Try Exceeds Profit Expectations

Galliford Try anticipates a pre-tax profit of approximately £35m for the year ending June 2025, surpassing analyst forecasts. The company attributes this to securing key projects and strategic framework positions.

John F Hunt Group's Turnover Soars

John F Hunt Group's turnover has surged by 120% over the past three years, reaching £157m in the year ending March 2023. This growth is attributed to strategic acquisitions and expansion into new markets.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Neil Parkinson Succeeds Rob Melling as Curtins CEO

Neil Parkinson succeeds Rob Melling as CEO of Curtins, after Melling's 20-year leadership. Parkinson, a former apprentice with over 30 years of experience, aims to build on Curtins' legacy, focusing on future innovation and social value initiatives.

Costain Appoints Eva Soto Pérez as Engineering Services GM

Costain has appointed Eva Soto Pérez as its new Engineering Services General Manager. With over 25 years of experience, including roles at Morgan Sindall, Aecom, Laing O’Rourke, and WSP, she will oversee engineering design delivery and growth.

CONTRACT BOOK

OPPORTUNITIES

• Leicester City Council plans to re-tender the £22m restoration of Leicester Railway Station after receiving only one bid. The project aims to relocate the main entrance, create a public plaza, and enhance accessibility.

• Bristol City Council is seeking contractors for a £288m Highways Asset Management and Civils Framework, covering projects from bridge reconstruction to soil investigations over four years.

Wins

• Manchester Airports Group has selected five contractors and two design consultants for a £550m airfield infrastructure framework. The partners will deliver projects at Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports over the next five to eight years.

• Yorkshire Water has appointed seven contractors for an £850m non-infrastructure framework, focusing on enhancing water and wastewater networks.

• Colas Rail UK secures a £252m contract to implement catenary systems for the UK’s HS2 high-speed rail network.

• Southern Water has awarded £530m in contracts to enhance its wastewater network in southeast England.

• Jacobs has been selected by Ireland's National Transport Authority to manage the BusConnects Dublin project, enhancing public transport and active travel infrastructure across the Greater Dublin Area.