Martin Preece’s Post

The commitment to upgrading Central London’s essential infrastructure is not merely rebuilding. It's about revitalizing the city, with the help of digital technology, while respecting the past, the planet, and its people. Take these examples: ◼️ Delivering London’s Elizabeth Line: Also known as Crossrail, the 118-kilometer-long railway project required 42km of new tunnels making it one of the longest and most significant infrastructure projects in Europe. Crossrail Ltd. used Bentley software to manage, share, and distribute digital project information with contractors. Opened in 2022, the Elizabeth Line exceeded its total forecast passenger numbers with 150 million in its first year. ◼️ Home To Bentley's UK Headquarters: Located in the heart of Central London at 8 Bishopsgate is the most sustainable tall commercial building in the UK. The 50-story tower was given a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) outstanding rating. From the outset, the design and construction of 8 Bishopsgate sought to optimize material efficiency. Framing was designed to use 25% less steel than a typical tower of this size, and an innovative raft foundation saves some 3,000m3 of concrete. Those two innovations save 5,300 tonnes of CO2. ◼️ Rejuvenating A Victorian-Era Sewer System: London’s sewer system, built 150 years ago, was designed to handle the waste of a population that is less than half of the city's current 8 million people. A new super sewer, called the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, will replace the eastern part of the old system. Costain, VINCI, and Bachy Soletanche are working together to design and build the project. They used Bentley’s digital twin and other tools to simulate the construction. The new system will reduce waste and debris and improve the water quality of the River Thames. Read more about the role digital technology plays in delivering these projects. https://bit.ly/43AcwMc #engineering #London #ThamesTideway #Crossrail #ElizabethLine #8Bishopsgate

𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 $𝟭𝟬𝗕 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗡𝗬𝗖 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has released a revised plan for a monumental $10 billion project to replace the world's busiest bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙚: ➖ New main terminal: A 2.1 million square foot facility featuring modern amenities like street-level retail, a multi-story indoor atrium, and new public open space. ➖ Separate storage and staging building: Dedicated area for efficient bus management and reduced congestion. ➖ Direct tunnel access: New ramps connecting directly to the Lincoln Tunnel for smoother bus flow. 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣: ➖ Permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street: This aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly public space around the terminal. ➖ Centralized main entrance: Streamlined access and improved wayfinding for passengers. ➖Increased street-level retail: More vibrant street presence and potential economic benefits for the surrounding area. ➖ Focus on sustainability: Net-zero design, electric bus fleet integration, and sustainable construction practices. 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨: ➖ Improved passenger experience: Modern facilities, better amenities, and smoother travel experience. ➖ Reduced congestion: Dedicated bus storage and direct tunnel access for improved traffic flow. ➖ Economic development: Job creation during construction and potential boost for surrounding businesses. ➖ Sustainable infrastructure: Environmentally friendly design and commitment to net-zero emissions. 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙨: The public comment period is currently open, followed by public hearings. Final approval expected in 2024. Construction could begin as early as 2024, with completion anticipated in 2032. 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨: ⏺️ Port Authority Press Release: [https://lnkd.in/egsWwfjc] ⏺️ CBS New York: [https://lnkd.in/e78PyTD7] #Construction #BuildingGreatTeamsTogether

A30 upgrade between Chiverton and Carland Cross: a dual carriageway of modern standards to provide key connectivity for the peninsula Our transport strategy, set to be published later this year, prioritises improving our strategic road network to ensure consistent standards. This is vital in ensuring the region is better connected, while unlocking its potential for growth. The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade is a prime example, as it will increase the resilience of the road network, unlock opportunities for economic growth and foster strategic connectivity by enhancing an arterial route in and out of Cornwall. The project is set to upgrade 14km of single carriageway between the Chiverton Cross roundabout and the Carland Cross roundabout to a dual carriageway. The scheme, delivered by Costain, is vital to Cornwall, but the benefits will be felt right across the region. It will help to tackle longstanding bottlenecks and alleviate congestion, benefitting businesses, communities and visitors with improved reliability and reduced journey times. Construction is nearing its final stages, and the road is set to open later this year, ahead of the summer holidays. Our Programme Director and Chief Officer recently visited the scheme, which provided Peninsula Transport with invaluable insights into how the National Highways team is progressing the works for this much anticipated project. Recent project developments include the ongoing installation of Cornish hedges and the green bridge over the Marazanvose section of the upgrade, the third green bridge to be constructed on England’s Strategic Road Network. A new cycle bridge at Chiverton, part of a wider network of cycle lanes being delivered by Cornwall Council, will also allow for more sustainable journeys within the local area. From COVID-19-related limitations during the initial breaking ground phases, through to recent challenges related to adverse weather, the team continues to respond swiftly, ensuring the project’s steady progress. The project has implemented several highly efficient traffic switches and continuously monitors traffic flows, adapting measures such as temporary traffic lights, to minimise disruption and maintain traffic flow. Through careful planning, both long-distance and local journeys have been maintained over the last four years throughout construction of this £330 million scheme. 

This new intersection near the River Torrens to Darlington Project will improve traffic flow for a key parallel route to South Road during construction of the project and in the longer term, by creating two new through-lanes in each direction directly linking Holbrooks Road and East Avenue.  

Exciting developments ahead for London, Ont. The City has announced its top 10 construction projects for 2024 with a projected investment of $270 million. These projects aim to improve commutes, enhance road safety, and support city growth. Topping the list is the Adelaide Street underpass, set to open this fall. Other projects include transit-only lanes, bike pathways, and intersection improvements. These efforts align with London's vision for a sustainable, well-connected transportation network. As we move forward, let's embrace these improvements that will benefit all residents and future generations. Stay updated on these projects and their progress for a better, more connected London. https://lnkd.in/gzBaeeQv #londonconstruction #citygrowth #infrastructuredevelopment #londonontario #constructionprojects #transportation #roadimprovements #cityplanning #sustainability #communitydevelopment #growth #investment #urbanplanning #publictransportation #bikepaths #citylife #development #progress #citybuilding #urbandevelopment #constructionindustry #building #projectmanagement #constructionlife #roadwork #bridges #underpass #transit #urbaninfrastructure #civilengineering #landscapearchitecture #buildingbettercities #smartcities #urbanmobility #commute #safestreets #citystreets #constructionmanagement #constructiontechnology #engineering #publicworks #roadways #pavement #urbanrenewal #transportationplanning #cityscape #environmentallyfriendly #greencities

In the 12 months since the first sod was turned on the Waterford City Public Infrastructure Project by then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, BAM UK & Ireland has made considerable progress on the construction of the infrastructure required to enable the development of the North Quays strategic development zone (SDZ) site. This has been made possible by the significant advanced works contracts developed by the client’s team to de-risk the project and reduce the level of traffic disruption in Waterford city during the main contract works. With the first year of the three-year build programme now complete, work has begun on all elements of the main contract works. Construction activity stretches along the full 1km length of the northern front of the eight-hectare North Quays SDZ site in Ferrybank and across the adjoining 200m wide expanse of the River Suir and adjacent southern quays, where the major river crossing will connect to the city at Meagher’s Quay. Key design elements include 1.3km of urban dual carriageway and local road upgrades; a major multimodal, sustainable transport interchange hub; a 207m long pedestrian and cycle opening (bascule) bridge across the river Suir; a 5,000m2 public plaza; and 2.1km of flood defences. Sustainable urban regeneration opens up cities in the most positive way, providing immense opportunities and possibilities to those who live and work there. This project will change the way people view Waterford city, with improved, high-quality transport infrastructure, as well as pedestrian and cycling facilities, making it easier for people to navigate the city. Read more: https://shorturl.at/Nu2es Waterford City & County Council Department of Transport National Transport Authority H&H Knight Architects Seán Harrington JV Tierney & Co. Consulting Engineers Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd Christian Smith #sustainability #publictransport #urbanregeneration #bridges #transportation

This is an interesting article. Regardless of whether you agree with the points made, there is one indisputable fact........the cost of construction is not going down! The question is, what are we going to do about it? Budget season is upon us and it is becoming increasingly clear that we can't afford to construct all the infrastructure we want, when we want it. The only way to reverse the upward trend in costs (or at least slow its rise ) is to get more productive. In essence....we need to build more with less......less labour.......less materials.....less energy......less waste and definitely less lawyers! The Foundations and Frontiers Forum was created to address the fundamental issues facing the construction industry just like this one......issues that are of National importance. Foundations and Frontiers is more than just a forum.....it is a movement for change that aims to unite the whole industry for the first time in its history. Will you be able to say that you were there at the start? https://lnkd.in/g-GG8zbz #timeforchange #imaginewhen #ff24 https://lnkd.in/gZ-Aacqs

What is wrong with UK CONSTRUCTION! Do know of any other project that's gone this much over #budget and timescale Small railway footbridge takes longer to build than #EmpireStateBuilding Network Rail's The 102-storey Empire State Building in #NewYork is one of the world’s most #iconic buildings, attracting millions of #visitors a year. A rather less spectacular feat of #engineering, a footbridge at a #railway #station near #Reading, has taken longer to build and cost about the same to construct in cash terms. The pedestrian walkway at Theale station in west #Berkshire was already ten years overdue when National Rail finally began construction in January 2023. Even so, it is not expected to be completed until spring this year, and the #budget has spiralled to £9.5 million from a projected £1.25 million in 2011. #networkrail #railwayindustry #gwr #hs2 #constructionindustry #construction #usa #europe #australia #loveconstruction constructionbuddies.co.uk

In our rapidly transforming urban settings, the crucial need for state-of-the-art safety solutions is critical. Energy Absorbing Bollards (EABs), by Australian Bollards, stand out as a prime example of engineering excellence fused with a steadfast commitment to public safety. EABs offer versatile solutions to enhance safety across various environments, from road intersections, bustling city center's, tram stops, train stations to serene parks, embodying the essence of innovation in urban security with the flexibility of both fixed and removable installations. Designed to halt vehicles weighing 1700kg traveling at speeds of up to 65km/h. Their energy-absorbing features significantly reduce the impact of collisions, safeguarding pedestrians and vehicle occupants alike. As we contribute to pivotal national infrastructure projects, such as the Level Crossing Removal in Victoria and the metro tunnel project, the importance of EABs in creating safer, more resilient urban spaces is increasingly apparent. These projects underscore the critical role that innovative safety solutions like EABs play in shaping the future of our cities. By integrating these state-of-the-art safety features into our infrastructure, we not only enhance the physical security of our urban areas but also bolster the confidence and peace of mind of the communities we serve. Let's continue to drive forward with safety and innovation at the forefront, ensuring our cities remain livable, accessible, and safe for everyone. https://lnkd.in/gqJeKQ3a #industrialdesign #security #safety #police #futurism #engineering #design #environmental #healthandsafety #innovation #management #technology #travel #construction #smartcities #nationalsecurity #scienceandtechnology #mining #Transport #Airport #Perth #Publictransport #WA #Melbourne #Sydney #Brisbane #Adelaide #Tasmania #Darwin #Architecture #Landscaping #Construction

I recently visited Victorian Tunnelling Centre at Homesglen Institute. It's a busy place. This Australian-first facility trains and upskills ~5000 workers a year in underground construction, tunneling, operations and workplace health and safety. I got to see the MASSIVE tunnel boring machine heads (TBMs) used to construct our underground train lines and roadways up close. THEY ARE ENORMOUS! Suburban Rail Loop East will be constructed using four TBMs. Each will be up to 120m long and more than 7m wide when assembled, and the first of these will arrive next year. As this 'Beat' article explains, among the many sustainability initiatives baked into Suburban Rail Loop, all four TBMs will be powered by 100% renewable electricity and two of them are coming to Victoria after helping build Sydney Metro – reducing our carbon footprint. #infrastructuresustainability #tunnelboringmachines #suburbanrailloop #srla https://lnkd.in/gK6dGuat