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Collett have successfully delivered two 178TE transformers

Working on behalf of Hyundai Electric UK, in conjunction with National Grid, Collett has successfully delivered two 178Te supergrid transformers from Tilbury Dock in Essex to National Grid’s Biggleswade substation in Bedfordshire.

Each transformer measured 9.0 metres long, 5.4 metres wide and 5.0 metres in height; combining with the trailer for a total vehicle length of 66 metres. Collett utilised their 250Te capacity Goldhofer girder bridge trailer to facilitate the movement of the two transformers to their final destination. The entire project took place over two weeks, with the transport occurring on two consecutive Sundays.

Collett has successfully delivered two 178Te supergrid transformers from Tilbury Dock in Essex to National Grid’s Biggleswade substation in Bedfordshire. — Image: Collett

Prior to the transport, Collett’s Projects and Consulting Departments provided comprehensive planning and site visits to strategise the route.

This included a comprehensive route survey, as well as swept path analysis reports, identifying obstructing street furniture that would require temporary removal. Collett liaised with both Cambridgeshire County Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to ensure that the movement would be successful.

With Collett having undertaken all ship chartering operations, the two transformers arrived at Tilbury Dock. Here, the first transformer was discharged from the vessel onto the girder bridge trailer where it was lowered onto stools in a secure storage area to await future transport.

The second of the two transformers was discharged directly onto the girder bridge trailer, in preparation for the first delivery to commence.

With all preparation in place, Collett began the transport.

Departing from Tilbury Dock, Collett travelled along the 76-mile route in approximately 8 hours.

The load was accompanied by Collett’s in-house escort vehicles as well as police escorts; initially being escorted by Essex police from Tilbury Dock, then handed over to Cambridgeshire Police at the county border.

Upon arrival at the site, Collett was responsible for offloading the transformer. Having previously undertaken detailed planning, including ground bearing pressure calculations, method statements, risk assessments and installation drawings, Collett’s Heavy Lift Team utilised their heavy duty jacking and skidding equipment to skid the 178Te transformer directly from the trailer onto the final plinth.

With one of the two transformers successfully delivered, the girder bridge was de-mobilised and returned back to Tilbury Dock to load the second transformer. Following the same route, the transformer was delivered to the site where it was once again offloaded onto the final plinth.

The 400kV substation includes two transformers that are needed to power the local area. The substation will initially boost power capacity by 80mW, allowing for future residential and employment growth in the Biggleswade area.

Civil Engineering Construction Public Works Contract Transport for the North

Blueprint for the North’s transport infrastructure

Transport for the North (TfN) has today (25 March 2024) published an ambitious plan for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the North, enabled by transformational connectivity.

The new Strategic Transport Plan (STP) was approved at Transport for the North Board meeting in Leeds by Northern leaders. It outlines how with the right investment and policy levers, together with transformational transport infrastructure we could have a Northern economy that will be £118 billion larger by 2050.

Lord McLoughlin - Transport for the North Chair — Lord McLoughlin – Transport for the North Chair. Image: TfN

The blueprint which builds on the first plan published five years ago, sets out the case to transform the North’s transport infrastructure and services, demonstrating how better connectivity can enable economic growth, decarbonise our transport system and create more opportunities for all. The first STP enabled a step change in government funding for rail, by setting out the case for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

TfN’s new Plan is focused on the outcomes needed for people and places, seeking to better connect communities and businesses with services and opportunities. It sets out robust monitoring and evaluation to measure progress year-on-year, making sure the Plan is on track.

The new STP:

Sets out the North’s ambition for near zero emissions from surface transport in the region by 2045
Supports efforts to reduce car dependency and create the capacity required to grow patronage on our public transport networks
Recognises the scale of change required in accessibility needed to unlock opportunity and reduce social exclusion by one million people by 2050
Puts in place a long-term ambition to treble the share of freight carried by rail.

Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North, said: “Our Strategic Transport Plan sets out Transport for the North’s statutory advice to government on how the North, speaking with one voice, can reach a sustainable, socially inclusive transport network for the future, support growth and employment opportunities.

“The STP will lay the foundations for the transport infrastructure investment for the North for decades to come. We will provide further advice to government on how the plan can be implemented, from the pan-regional investment pipeline required, to efficiencies in how transport infrastructure and services are delivered. The evidence in this STP shows how with sustained investment, the right policy levers and enabling behaviour change, we can truly transform the North.”

The revised Strategic Transport Plan can be viewed on our website

Demolition Public Works Contract

The investigation into the Didcot Power station demolition disaster enters its ninth year

As the investigation into the Didcot Power Station demolition disaster approaches its ninth year, the pain and frustration of the affected families continue to intensify. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on February 23, 2016, during the demolition of the decommissioned power station in Oxfordshire, England, resulted in the loss of lives and left a lasting scar on the community.

The Didcot Power Station demolition was a major undertaking aimed at dismantling the iconic cooling towers that had dominated the skyline for decades. However, tragedy struck when a section of the boiler house collapsed prematurely, trapping workers beneath the rubble. Four workers lost their lives in the incident, and several others suffered injuries.

Investigation Challenges:

The aftermath of the disaster saw an immediate call for a thorough investigation to determine the causes and hold accountable those responsible. However, the complexity of the incident, coupled with legal and logistical challenges, has led to a prolonged and painstaking inquiry.

The investigation, conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other relevant authorities, has faced numerous hurdles. Technical intricacies, legal disputes, and the involvement of multiple stakeholders have contributed to the slow progress. The complexities in understanding the sequence of events leading to the collapse have further prolonged the inquiry.

Relatives’ Anguish:

As the investigation enters its ninth year, the anguish of the relatives of those killed in the Didcot Power Station disaster has become more palpable. The prolonged wait for answers, accountability, and closure has taken a toll on the emotional well-being of the affected families.

The uncertainty surrounding the investigation has left the families in a state of limbo, unable to find solace or move forward. The pain of losing a loved one is already profound, but the prolonged and inconclusive investigation exacerbates their grief. Many have expressed frustration and a sense of abandonment as they grapple with the protracted legal processes.

Community Impact:

The Didcot Power Station disaster not only impacted the families directly affected but also had a ripple effect on the local community. The incident raised concerns about the safety of demolition practices and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Community members, once proud of the iconic power station that symbolised the region’s industrial heritage, now associate it with the devastating collapse and the ensuing years of investigation. The incident has sparked conversations about the balance between progress and safety, prompting a re-evaluation of demolition procedures across the country.

Conclusion:

As the Didcot Power Station demolition disaster investigation continues into its ninth year, the need for timely resolution and closure becomes increasingly urgent. The affected families deserve answers, accountability, and the opportunity to heal. The broader community also looks to this investigation to set a precedent for ensuring the safety of such large-scale demolitions in the future.

The authorities must prioritise transparency and efficiency to bring this prolonged investigation to a conclusion that serves justice and provides a sense of closure for the grieving families and the community at large. Only then can the painful chapter of the Didcot Power Station disaster truly be put to rest, allowing for lessons learned and a safer future in the realm of industrial demolitions.

Construction Contracts News Public Works Contract

February construction output shows encouraging bounce back of 2.4%

At the start of 2023, the construction industry showed positive signs of growth, with February construction output bouncing back by 2.4%. This is a welcome relief after a sluggish end to 2022. According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the construction sector has been steadily improving since last year, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.

Key Highlights

Construction output rose by 2.4% in February 2023, following a 1.8% fall in January.
The three-month on three-month growth rate was 1.9%, the highest level since July 2022.
The private housing sector saw the strongest growth, with a 5.2% increase in output.
The infrastructure sector also showed significant growth, with output rising by 3.8% in February.

The increase in construction output is a positive sign for the UK economy, and the industry as a whole. The strong growth in the private housing sector is particularly encouraging, as this is an area that has been struggling in recent years due to a lack of investment and high demand. The government’s recent efforts to boost housebuilding, through initiatives such as the Help to Buy scheme and the creation of a new Housing Infrastructure Fund, are starting to have a positive impact.

Meanwhile, the growth in infrastructure output is also good news for the industry. This is an area that has been neglected in recent years, with a lack of investment leading to significant delays in major projects. However, the government’s commitment to increasing infrastructure spending is starting to pay off, with projects such as HS2 and Crossrail showing signs of progress.

Road works — Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

Mike Hedges, director at Beard Construction, said: “Like many other key sectors, construction has been unable to avoid the challenges of the last nine months or so. However, it is positive to see the landscape beginning to improve with an increase in output and the highest monthly value seen since January 2010.

“While it’s encouraging to see a marginal increase in new work, we shouldn’t be surprised to see repair and maintenance continuing to lead the recovery effort. This could in part reflect customers being wary about committing to large new-build construction projects but could also reflect the emerging direction of trying to maximise value from existing assets, reducing waste and preserving embodied carbon.

“Looking beyond February at the three-month picture though, infrastructure new work was a key contributor to growth. This certainly mirrors the broad portfolio of projects we’re working on and the tender opportunities we’re currently seeing at Beard.

“It’s further proof that firms need to remain agile and pivot toward more resilient sectors that will continue to provide opportunities, such as specialised infrastructure projects for local and central government. This is especially true for those firms reliant on residential building or housebuilding, which continues to be challenging with higher mortgage rates and borrowing costs stifling new-build demand. It will be encouraging to see the challenges on these sectors ease later this year with the slowing of interest rate increases.”

However, despite the positive signs, the construction industry still faces significant challenges. The ongoing impact of the pandemic continues to be felt, with supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled workers affecting many companies. In addition, rising material costs and inflation are putting pressure on margins, making it more difficult for companies to invest in new projects.

Overall, the increase in construction output in February 2023 is a positive sign for the industry and the wider economy. While challenges remain, the government’s commitment to boosting investment in housing and infrastructure is starting to have a positive impact. Companies that are able to navigate the current challenges and position themselves for growth in these key sectors are likely to see significant benefits in the coming years.

Construction News Public Works Contract

Sir Robert McAlpine restructure plans will see 60 jobs axed

Sir Robert McAlpine is cutting around 60 jobs, waving goodbye to two senior directors and switching its focus to sectors rather than regions under a major rejig of the business by chief executive Paul Hamer.

The most eye-catching departures are the firm’s London boss, Alison Cox, a McAlpine board member who has been in the post for just 18 months, and the managing director of its Southern business Ian Cheung who has been with the firm seven years.

But McAlpine is bringing back Grant Findlay as executive managing director of a newly formed Buildings division and who will now sit on a refreshed group board.

It will prioritise sectors where it has been most successful; these include healthcare, commercial offices, industrial, as well as the heritage and complex schemes delivered by its Major & Special Projects team.

McAlpine restructure plans will focus on clients’ changing requirements and decarbonisation.

The recent announcement of Sir Robert McAlpine’s appointment to the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus for the University of Bristol is a good illustration of this vision in action. The company will be working closely with this key client on a project that will make a huge impact on the city of Bristol and the local area, both socially and economically.

It is also growing the rail, transport, and nuclear sectors of its infrastructure business to drive profitable growth and minimise its exposure to ongoing geo-political and market risks.

The business will move from a regional operating model to a sector-focused model, with national centres of excellence providing projects with swift access to expertise.

McAlpine restructure plans will reduce workforce by 2.5%, but vows to remain guided by strong set of value.

The McAlpine way of Build Sure continues to underpin the business’s approach to engineering and technical excellence, ensuring the delivery of exemplary projects safely, sustainably, on time, on budget, to the highest quality.

Paul Hamer, chief executive, Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We have been proudly building Britain’s future heritage since 1869, and, throughout our history, have successfully overcome obstacles by remaining agile and adapting to evolving market conditions.

“The challenges that the industry is currently facing are exceptional and unprecedented. In this turbulent market, we owe it to our people and our clients to carefully consider how we apply our focus and expertise over the coming years to seize the opportunities that will support us to thrive.

“These changes are needed to enhance our operational agility. They mean we can move rapidly whilst generating improved efficiency and productivity. This does, unfortunately result in a small number of roles becoming redundant, which is a difficult but necessary decision.

“This strategy provides the momentum to take Sir Robert McAlpine successfully into the next 150 years. It enables us to build on our existing strengths and realise our full potential.

“We want to be renowned for our work with clients and communities as we construct a better world for future generations.”

Civil Engineering Construction Public Works Contract

Design reset urgently needed for HS2 Euston Station

At a time when the UK government is under pressure to manage the costs of its major infrastructure projects, the latest news from HS2 Euston is alarming. The costs of the project are set to double, and a full design reset is urgently needed to address the issues and risks involved.

The HS2 Euston Project: A Critical Overview

HS2 Euston Station Concept Design - Interior — Image: HS2

HS2 Euston is a part of the High Speed Two (HS2) rail network, which is expected to provide a faster and more reliable rail service between London and the North of England. The Euston project is particularly important, as it involves the redevelopment of the Euston station in London, which is a key transportation hub for the city.

A statement from National Audit Office (NAO) into the HS2 Euston Station development warns that forecast project costs have continued to balloon despite attempts to simplify the project.

The original plans for the project, which were announced in 2017, involved the construction of a new station building and the reconfiguration of the tracks and platforms. However, it soon became clear that the plans were not feasible, as they would have required the demolition of many homes and businesses in the area.

As a result, a revised plan was developed, which involved the construction of a smaller station building and the use of a tunnel to connect the high-speed lines to the existing lines. However, this plan has also faced significant challenges, as it involves complex engineering and construction work in a densely populated and heavily built-up area.

The Challenges Facing the Project

The challenges facing the HS2 Euston project are numerous and complex. They include:

The need to build a new station building and connect it to the existing transport network
The need to construct a tunnel to connect the high-speed lines to the existing lines
The need to minimize disruption to local residents and businesses during the construction process
The need to manage the risks involved in working in a densely populated and heavily built-up area
The need to manage the costs of the project, which have already increased significantly

The Urgent Need for a Design Reset

The NAO’s report recommends the DfT works with stakeholders: Euston Partnership, HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, Lendlease and local partners to reassess the expectations for the HS2 Euston project, its budget, and the public benefits.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO said: “Government is once again having to revise plans for Euston HS2.

“Clearly, the 2020 reset of the station design has not succeeded.

“DfT and HS2 Ltd have not been able to develop an affordable scope that is integrated with other activity at Euston, despite their focus on costs and governance since 2020. Recent high inflation has added to the challenge.

“The March 2023 announcement by the Transport Secretary pausing new construction work should now give DfT and HS2 Ltd the necessary time to put the HS2 Euston project on a more realistic and stable footing.

“However, the deferral of spending to manage inflationary pressures will lead to additional costs and potentially a more expensive project overall, and that will need to be managed closely.”

Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, added: “Attempts to reset the High Speed 2 Euston Station have failed.

“It is still unaffordable and no further forward than it was three years ago.

“Today’s NAO report shows that the redesigned station would have cost nearly double what was budgeted.

“Department for Transport and High Speed Two Ltd have wasted enough time and money. They must get Euston right next time or risk squandering what benefits remain.”

Construction Public Works Contract

New bridge in place over A30

A new bridge was installed over the A30 in double-quick time this weekend as part of National Highways’ Chiverton to Carland Cross road dualling scheme in Cornwall.

The Tolgroggan access bridge has spanned the A30 near Zelah for 32 years and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new dual carriageway and the existing road between the Chiverton and Carland roundabouts.

To enable the bridge lift operation, overseen by principal contractors Costain and structures specialists Keltbray, the A30 was closed between the Boxheater junction and Chiverton Cross roundabout, with drivers using diversion routes along the A3075 and B3285.

Despite mist and mizzle, weather conditions and wind speeds remained suitable for the lifting operation and the new 137ft (42-metre) twin-beam overbridge was lifted into place by a 650-tonne crawler crane on Saturday afternoon.

And after Engineers undertook tying-in work on the bridge, dismantling and transporting of the crane and extensive site and traffic management clearance, the A30 was reopened to motorists at 2pm on Sunday – some 16 hours ahead of the anticipated opening on Monday morning.

The new bridge weighs 275 tonnes, the equivalent weight of 23 double decker buses or 887,097 standard Cornish pasties and will eventually span the existing A30 road and four lanes of the new carriageway.

Now in position, work will concentrate on construction of the new road, with the existing bridge to be demolished later this year.

Neil Winter, National Highways Senior Project Manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade, said:

“We thank people for their patience and co-operation while we carried out the work. The operation went as planned and although the weather wasn’t the greatest, conditions were favourable and the preparation work paid dividends.

“It’s a key milestone for the project, and now that we have the new bridge in place we will be able to switch our attention to the other structures along the route.

“As part of the scheme, we’re building 13 new structures in all, both under and over the new A30, with one existing underbridge at Two Burrows, a short distance from Tolgroggan, being refurbished.”

As part of the near nine-mile upgrade, the new route will feature:

a new grade-separated junction at Carland Cross, with an underbridge linking the existing roundabout and a new roundabout to create the new junction;
a new grade-separated junction at Chiverton, formed by two new underbridges under the new A30, creating a new junction linking with the old A30, A390, A3075 and B3277 roads;
a new grade-separated junction at Chybucca formed with an overbridge;

The multi-million pound upgrade is scheduled to be open to traffic this winter, more information is available at National Highways’ A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross web page and for more details on National Highways’ work in the South West go to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/south-west/

The cost of developing the scheme is being partly funded by an £8 million contribution from the European Regional Development Fund, with an additional £12 million for the construction phase. The remainder of the cost of developing and delivering the scheme is being funded by central Government.

Accidents Civil Engineering Construction Construction Costs Construction Materials Contracts House Building Manufacturing Materials Public Works Contract

Restoration Bonds

Nationwide Sureties is a leading provider of restoration bonds for the construction industry. Restoration bonds, also known as environmental restoration bonds, are a type of construction bond that guarantee the completion of a project according to the terms of the contract, including the restoration of any environmental damage caused by the construction work.

Restoration bonds are typically required by local or state government agencies as a form of protection against contractor default. They ensure that if the contractor fails to restore the site to its original condition, the bond can be used to compensate the agency for any costs associated with restoring the site. This can include costs for removing debris, restoring natural habitats, and other measures to bring the site back to its original condition.

At Nationwide Sureties, we understand the importance of restoration bonds in the construction industry. Our experienced team will assess the contractor’s ability to restore the site and their financial stability before issuing a bond. We also typically require collateral, such as a letter of credit or cash deposit, to ensure that the contractor has the financial resources to restore the site.

Obtaining a restoration bond can be a straightforward process, but it is important to work with a surety bond company like Nationwide Sureties that has the experience and reputation to provide the bond that contractors need to secure their project and meet the requirements set by local or state government agencies. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of obtaining a restoration bond and answer any questions you may have.

In summary, restoration bonds are a critical aspect of the construction industry. They provide financial protection for both contractors and the government agencies, ensuring that the site will be restored to its original condition in case of default. Choosing the right surety bond company is important to ensure that you have the right bond in place to protect your construction project and meet the requirements set by government agencies. Nationwide Sureties, with our experienced team and financial stability, we are able to provide restoration bonds for the construction industry. Contact us today to learn more about our restoration bond services and how we can help you with your next construction project.

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Civil Engineering Construction Public Works Contract

HMRC Bonds

Nationwide Sureties is a leading provider of HMRC bonds for the construction industry. HMRC bonds, also known as Customs and Excise bonds, are a type of financial guarantee that contractors are required to obtain by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for certain types of construction projects. These bonds are typically required for projects where the imported goods and materials are subject to customs duty and VAT.

HMRC bonds serve as a guarantee to the HMRC that the importer will pay all customs duty and VAT due on the imported goods and materials. In the event that the importer fails to pay the duty and VAT, the bond can be used to cover the unpaid amount. Obtaining an HMRC bond is a requirement for importers of construction materials and goods, and it serves as a guarantee that the taxes and duties will be paid to the HMRC.

At Nationwide Sureties, our experienced team understands the importance of HMRC bonds in the construction industry. We have years of experience in providing HMRC bonds to contractors and we have built a reputation for providing high-quality service. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of obtaining an HMRC bond and answer any questions you may have.

In summary, HMRC bonds are a critical aspect of the construction industry. They provide a guarantee to the HMRC that the imported goods and materials will be subject to customs duty and VAT. Obtaining an HMRC bond is a requirement for importers of construction materials and goods. It is important to work with a surety bond company like Nationwide Sureties that has the experience and reputation to provide the bond that contractors need to secure their project and meet the requirements set by the HM Revenue and Customs. Contact us today to learn more about our HMRC bond services and how we can help you with your next construction project.

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Civil Engineering Construction Public Works Contract

Spanning the Calder & Hebble Navigation

Believed to be the largest individual civil engineering project ever undertaken by Calderdale Council, Collett deliver four steel bridge sections to form the new link road across the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

Manufactured by Severfield, the UK’s leading structural steel construction experts, Collett were appointed to deliver four 48 metre structural steel bridge sections from their facility in Bolton to the A629 Salterhebble Bridge project in Halifax.

Over a two week period, each of the 56 Tonne bridge sections were loaded on site at Severfield, directly to two Faymonville 8-axle jeep dolly bogie trailers, the latest additions to Collett’s trailer fleet. These dolly combinations feature automatic steering allowing the back axles to autonomously follow the tractor unit. In addition to this, the trailers also offer the option of overriding this feature providing a manual steering offering and rear steer capabilities, this then allows the rear bogey to steer independently of the tractor unit. Their first outing for Collett, these trailers proved the perfect solution for these 48 metre cargoes, the largest pieces of steelwork to ever leave Severfield’s Bolton facility.

Across two consecutive days the first of two bridge sections, the outer paired girders, left Bolton. Travelling under Police escort and accompanied by Collett’s Code of Practice pilot cars, each of the loads made the 40 mile trip to Halifax. Following the M62 eastbound, the 48 metre bridges arrived at the junction 24 slip road, departing down the A629 bypass and arriving at the construction site. Due to the length of the bridges, and the current road layout on approach to the site, each of the loaded cargoes were required to pull past Stainland Road and reverse the final 200 metres to site.

Having safely arrived on site early evening, the first two sections were stored on trailers ahead of being lifted in to position to span the Calder and Hebble Navigation. Once clear of their 56 Tonne structures, each of the trailers returned to Severfield to load and deliver the two remaining sections, the inner paired girders, the following week.

This phase of the project, which is fully funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the West Yorkshire-Plus Transport Fund, will see the area around the junction completely transformed. This includes the addition of a new link road, via the newly created bridge, as well as junction improvements, and is expected to be fully completed later this year.

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Public Works Contract

Collett have successfully delivered two 178TE transformers

Blueprint for the North’s transport infrastructure

The investigation into the Didcot Power station demolition disaster enters its ninth year

February construction output shows encouraging bounce back of 2.4%

Sir Robert McAlpine restructure plans will see 60 jobs axed

Design reset urgently needed for HS2 Euston Station

New bridge in place over A30

Restoration Bonds

HMRC Bonds

Spanning the Calder & Hebble Navigation

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