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Costain secures £1.4m contract to drive decarbonisation across UK transport infrastructure Costain Group PLC has been awarded four contracts worth £1.4m under Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom’s Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice for Rail and Other Transport Modes (STARThree) Framework The framework will see Costain and lead partner, GHD, provide specialist consultancy advice to the UK government as it delivers critical UK transport infrastructure across #road, #rail, and #aviation. Work includes providing bespoke #engineering and #decarbonisation advice across DfT’s portfolio, a review of stations and asset management in the southeast and helping the #Government understand the funding position for major investment by supplying technical expertise. The framework hopes to solve #mobility challenges, decarbonisation, and improve #transport reliability Costain and GHD are working to solve some of the UK’s most pressing transportation and mobility challenges, including decarbonisation, improving #reliability, and levelling-up. The work builds upon the success of DfT’s previous STARTwo #Framework and continues a longstanding and collaborative relationship between the DfT, Costain, and GHD. Costain will collaborate with SME’s across the framework delivery Costain will work alongside Ramboll, SLC Property, Expedition Engineering, Northstar Consultancy, and the Rail Advisory Group. Collaboration with SMEs is a key target for the DfT, which set a goal of 40% SME spending as part of the framework. David Taylor, interim managing director for transportation at Costain, commented: “We have extensive expertise in delivering major projects and are perfectly placed to advise the Government on critical infrastructure solutions. These awards are testimony to Costain’s high quality, technical expertise in areas such as decarbonisation, and will facilitate important collaboration with SME partners. Together, and with our lead partner GHD, we will help solve the UK’s most urgent strategic #infrastructure challenges.”

🚄 HS2: The UK's Rail Future, Endorsed by Experts The UK stands at a decisive moment in its rail infrastructure planning, with a growing understanding amongst rail engineers, economists, and professionals about the crucial importance of HS2 for our future. The urgency to deliver capacity relief has never been more apparent. 🔍 Understanding the Crucial Need: Professional Realisation: There's an consensus amongst experts that HS2 is vital for the UK's economic and infrastructural future. It's not about speed; it's about comprehensive development. Capacity Crisis: Without HS2, the UK faces a grim prospect: rationing rail services, cancelling local and regional connections, and potentially stunting growth in towns and cities. 💷 The Cost of Inaction: Growth and Productivity at Risk: Failing to deliver HS2 may lead to significant setbacks in national growth and productivity, hindering progress that aligns with future needs. Potential Regression: The lack of an efficient rail network could see towns and cities regressing rather than progressing, impacting both the economy and the community's well-being. 🚧 Role of DfT and Network Rail: Strategic Leadership by DfT: The Department for Transport is actively leading the charge in redefining the UK's future transportation blueprint. Innovative Solutions from Network Rail: Network Rail is at the forefront of this challenge, employing its expertise to innovate and reimagine how the UK’s network can evolve to meet future demands, ensuring resilience and efficiency. 🏗️ Elevating the Private Sector's Contribution: Private Sector Innovation: The private sector’s involvement, particularly the initiative led by the mayors of Manchester and Birmingham, is a significant stride towards innovative rail solutions. These efforts are vital in complementing public sector plans, showing the power of collaborative ventures. 🌏 Global Context: 🇪🇸 Spain’s Success Story: Spain's extensive AVE network, connecting major cities, is a prime example of how strategic high-speed rail investments can unify and propel a nation forward. 🇺🇸 USA Initiatives: Projects like California High-Speed Rail and the Brightline network demonstrate the transformative impact of high-speed rail in connecting urban centres and boosting economic dynamism. 🔮 Vision for the Future: A Comprehensive Network: The UK needs a rail network that not just connects but also catalyses growth across the nation. This requires a bold and unified approach, combining the strengths of both public and private sectors. Embracing Opportunities: As we look towards building a resilient and efficient transportation network, the lessons and successes of international high-speed rail projects provide valuable insights and inspiration. 🗣️ Your Insightful Contributions: This is more than a discussion about a rail project; it's a dialogue about our nation's future. What are your views? #HS2 #UKInfrastructure #EconomicGrowth #RailNetwork #GlobalPerspectives

Norway 🇳🇴 to Invest $US 40bn in Rail Infrastructure by 2036 🚆 Norway has revealed an ambitious plan to invest $US 40 billion in railway infrastructure under the National Transport Plan 2025-2036. Here are the key findings 💡 - Focus on #infrastructure, with 47% allocated for operations, maintenance, and renewals. - Track doubling, increased local train frequencies, and capacity enhancements for both passengers and freight transport. - Plans for extending electrification on various lines and potential introduction of #double-deck trains on the #Østfold Line. - Expectations for improved network capacity, service frequency, and operational stability over the 12-year period. The funding distribution 💰 - $US 7.56 for infrastructure operations and maintenance - $US 11.51 for smaller investment projects and renewals - $US 14.31 for major investment projects - $US 0.76 for management of the railway sector - $US 6.25 for the purchase of passenger services - $US 0.14 for grants. Contrast 🔄 Compared with the previous plan, some major projects have been delayed to the latter six years, impacting implementation timelines. This substantial #investment in the railway infrastructure of Norway represents a crucial advancement towards efficient transportation, meeting the increasing needs of both passengers and cargo services. Source: railjournal.com #RailInfrastructure #Norway #TransportationDevelopment

Rail infrastructure projects have the potential to transform the cities and towns they serve. Alongside bringing greater transport connectivity to their routes, they also bring huge economic, employment and societal benefits. Large-scale rail projects can have big price tags, but research shows that the investment pays off. Partner content by WSP in the UK.

Transport for the North (TfN) has unveiled a strategic transport plan aiming for near-zero emissions from surface transport in the region by 2045, building on the initial plan set five years ago. The blueprint emphasises transforming transport infrastructure to spur economic growth and decarbonisation, with a focus on reducing car dependency and expanding public transport networks while tripling the share of freight carried by rail. Lord McLoughlin, chair of TfN, stresses the plan's role in shaping sustainable, socially inclusive transport networks for the future and providing a foundation for long-term infrastructure investment in the North. Find out more in this article: https://bit.ly/4andnSP #FleetNews #TransportInfrastructure #ZeroEmissions #TfN

"According to Deutsche Bahn’s estimation in May 2022, the existing high-speed rail infrastructure, both in place and planned for construction, may only achieve around 75 per cent of the necessary traffic growth by 2030. The report thus emphasises the need for a significant expansion of high-speed rail infrastructure to meet ambitious EU growth targets, commenting that “Building an additional 21,000 kilometres of rail infrastructure over the next 27 years is an ambitious target. However, considering that approximately 20,000 kilometres of motorway was built in the EU27 between 2000 and 2020, it is clear that infrastructure of comparable size and complexity can be built in an even shorter time". -https://lnkd.in/eg6JkChY

Jacobs selected to provide technical and commercial advice to the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Jacobs has been selected as a PRIME Consultant by the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) on its latest Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice for Rail and Other Transport Modes (STARThree) Framework to support the DfT’s portfolio of rail and other transport mode agreements, major projects and programs, and its policy and strategic work in transport. The DfT expects the framework to run over an initial two-year period with an option to extend by one or two years. To offer best-in-class technical and commercial advice we will collaborate closely with other organizations including our STARThree supply chain of BMG Research Group, Direx Solutions, Grant Thornton UK LLP, HKA, MI-GSO | PCUBED, Newcastle University, PA Consulting, Simetrica-Jacobs, Steel Associates and Vectura Advisory. As a PRIME Consultant, Jacobs is well positioned to deliver services through the framework including transport strategy, planning, operations and commercial advice to DfT as it delivers #road, #rail and #aviation #infrastructure projects, and seeks to address major transport challenges, like aging infrastructure, decarbonization, reliability and safety, and the needs of communities. “This is an exciting opportunity enabling Jacobs to continue our track-record of delivering high calibre professional, technical and commercial advice to the Department for Transport and our other key clients who are able to access the framework, including the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), Network Rail and HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd,” says Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President Europe Kate Kenny. “We bring diverse capabilities and experience in rail and other critical transportation infrastructure to support DfT in creating more connected, greener transport choices that will help communities and businesses to thrive. “Through the framework, we look forward to working collaboratively to maximize participation of small and medium enterprises in the supply chain to access more diverse innovation and experience.” “This is a further great success in collaboration between PA Consulting and Jacobs in the U.K. transport market, cementing our relationship focused on delivering end-to-end innovation for our clients’ biggest challenges,” adds PA Global Transport Lead David Oliver. This framework is likely to include more commissions that support the U.K. Government’s efforts to decarbonize the transport network and deliver net zero by 2050. https://lnkd.in/dZN-UAWj

Strengthening the Future of Rail Infrastructure: Kier and Buckingham Group's Strategic Partnership! This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of rail infrastructure, emphasising the power of teamwork and innovation. Let's delve into the significance of this partnership from a unique perspective. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3PpHHEr Synergy in Expertise: The coming together of Kier and Buckingham Group's rail division brings an incredible depth of expertise to the table. Both entities are renowned for their excellence in rail construction and infrastructure development. This partnership signifies a pooling of talents, a fusion of knowledge, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Delivering Complex Projects: The challenges in modern rail infrastructure are multifaceted. From electrification projects to station upgrades and track enhancements, the demand for complex and sustainable solutions is ever-growing. Kier and Buckingham Group's partnership positions them to tackle these challenges head-on, delivering projects that meet the needs of today and tomorrow. Investing in Innovation: Innovation is at the heart of this partnership. Rail technology is evolving rapidly, with a focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and efficiency. By joining forces, Kier and Buckingham Group can invest in cutting-edge technologies, creating a more connected and sustainable rail network. Enhancing Passenger Experience: Ultimately, the success of rail infrastructure projects lies in the experience of passengers. This partnership is not just about constructing railways; it's about improving the journeys of millions of people. From more reliable services to modern, comfortable stations, the collaboration aims to elevate the passenger experience. Supporting Economic Growth: A robust rail infrastructure is a driver of economic growth. It facilitates the movement of goods, connects communities, and creates jobs. By working together, Kier and Buckingham Group contribute not only to the rail industry's growth but also to the prosperity of the regions they serve. In a rapidly evolving world, partnerships like this are the bedrock of progress. They reflect a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and the pursuit of excellence. Kier and Buckingham Group's strategic collaboration is a testament to the bright future of rail infrastructure and its integral role in our connected world. #RailInfrastructure #StrategicPartnership #Innovation #PassengerExperience #EconomicGrowth #RailwayTechnology https://bit.ly/3PpHHEr

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🚆🌟 Exciting News for the UK Rail Industry! 🌟🚆 The Office of Rail & Road (ORR) has officially approved Network Rail's £43.1 billion five-year plan for Control Period 7, commencing on April 1, 2024. This plan encompasses infrastructure operation, maintenance, and renewal, with a focus on improving the UK rail network. Here are some key highlights: 🔧 Network Rail has increased proposed spending on core infrastructure by £600 million, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the rail system. 🚄 Enhancement projects like new lines and electrification will now be funded separately, ensuring a more flexible approach to expansion. 📈 Performance targets for CP7 have been set higher, with a focus on reducing cancellations and maintaining punctuality, especially as passenger numbers increase. 🛤️ Freight operations have been challenged to reduce cancellations, with growth targets established in both England & Wales and Scotland. 🌍 A significant investment of £2.2 billion for climate change adaptation and mitigation demonstrates the commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change. 💡 Efficiency targets aim to deliver at least £3.2 billion in England & Wales and £0.4 billion in Scotland, driving innovation, technology, and smarter ways of working. 🌱 Network Rail is committed to reducing carbon emissions by more than 20% and conserving and enhancing biodiversity. This plan reflects the rail industry's dedication to sustainability, efficiency, and improving the passenger and freight experience. It's a significant step towards ensuring a resilient and responsive rail network for the UK's future. Kudos to Network Rail, ORR, and all involved for their dedication to the rail sector's progress! 🙌 Let's keep the momentum going and embrace the challenges of tomorrow with innovation and collaboration. 🌐🚄 #UKRailIndustry #Infrastructure #Sustainability #Efficiency #FutureofRailways https://lnkd.in/g38ZP66k #RailwayIndustry #Infrastructure #Innovation #SustainableTravel #NetworkRail #UKRailway