Jacobs has completed its £1.2 billion acquisition of PA Consulting, taking full ownership of the innovation and transformation consultancy as part of a move to accelerate growth in digital and advisory services. The deal, finalised on 20 March 2026, sees Jacobs acquire the remaining equity stake in PA Consulting, strengthening its position as a global provider of integrated advisory, digital and technology-enabled solutions. The transaction follows Jacobs’ initial strategic i

New analysis from Ordnance Survey (OS) has revealed the extent to which England’s road and rail networks are exposed to flooding, warning that climate-related events could increasingly isolate communities and disrupt critical transport links. Following a winter marked by storms, flood warnings and severe weather, the geospatial study identifies key “pinch points” across the country most vulnerable to river and sea flooding. The findings highlight how extreme weather could lea

London’s taxi and private hire sector could face significant disruption from autonomous vehicle operators unless regulators intervene to prevent “predatory pricing”, the chief executive of Addison Lee has warned. Liam Griffin said technology giants such as Waymo, Wayve and Tesla could use their financial strength to subsidise fares and undercut traditional operators, raising concerns about long-term market competition. “We do feel that there is a danger that the big players c

Open access rail operator Lumo has revealed the new look of its refurbished Class 222 trains, offering a first glimpse ahead of the launch of its West Coast services. The unveiling took place as part of a private event in Preston, where Lumo officially opened its new headquarters in the city centre. Attendees were also given a preview of the first refurbished train at Alstom’s Widnes facility. The Class 222 units, previously operated by East Midlands Railway, are undergoing r

Connected Places Catapult has announced three organisations developing AI-powered transport technologies have secured additional funding to advance their business cases. The small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were selected as part of the ‘Smarter Transport Systems – AI in Transport’ competition, delivered by the Catapult and funded by the Department for Transport. The initiative aims to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to digitalise and better integrat

The electrification of the Core Valley Lines (CVL) has been completed following the energisation of overhead line equipment on the Cardiff Bay branch. The final stage of the project saw the installation and activation of electrification infrastructure along the 800-metre stretch between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay, marking the completion of a major six-year programme delivered by Transport for Wales (TfW). The £1 billion scheme has transformed approximately 170km (10

A highly respected figure in the UK construction and infrastructure maintenance sector, Steve Helliwell, has announced his retirement, bringing to a close a distinguished 40-year career spanning some of the industry’s most prominent organisations. Last week , Balfour Beatty confirmed that Helliwell will retire at the end of June, marking the culmination of four decades of contribution to the sector. Helliwell began his career in 1986 as a junior engineer with Amey, where he s

A major reconstruction project at Gallows Corner in Romford is now expected to fully reopen by the end of April 2026, following significant delays to the scheme. The junction, a key transport link in east London, has been closed since June 2025 for the renewal of the ageing 1970s flyover and roundabout. Originally scheduled to take around ten weeks, the works have extended to nearly nine months due to complex ground conditions and utility challenges. Transport for London (TfL

Transport for London (TfL) is marking the 20th anniversary of its “Baby on Board” badge with the launch of a new design, including a version specifically for expectant parents carrying multiple babies. The updated initiative introduces a free “Babies on Board” badge, aimed at supporting those pregnant with twins, triplets or more, as part of efforts to make London’s public transport network more inclusive and accessible. Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said the move is

Network Rail will reopen platforms 1-6 at Glasgow Central on Wednesday 25 March, restoring all train routes through the high-level station following the Union Street fire. An exclusion zone had been in place across much of the high-level concourse while Glasgow City Council carried out the demolition of the fire-damaged neighbouring building, restricting access to platforms and station entrances.    The Council has now made substantial progress on the demolition, allowing the

A new skills academy offering fully funded training programmes for military veterans has opened in Oxfordshire, aiming to support their transition into civilian life while addressing skills shortages in the highways sector. The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy , based in Drayton, will provide intensive four-week courses designed to equip veterans with the practical skills and qualifications needed to enter the industry. Participants will receive hands-on training in

Lincolnshire County Council is considering controversial plans to remove tarmac from some of its rural roads and replace them with gravel, as part of efforts to prioritise investment in the county’s major routes. The proposal, known as “demetalling”, was discussed at a recent meeting of the council’s Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee. The approach would see certain minor roads downgraded, with their sealed surfaces replaced by unsealed materials such as gravel or ston

Shropshire Council is stepping up its efforts to address potholes across the county, with specialist Roadmaster vehicles set to play a key role in improving rural roads over the coming weeks. The council operates two Roadmaster vehicles during the spring and summer months, targeting areas most affected by road surface deterioration. The machines use advanced spray injection patching technology to repair potholes and other defects quickly and efficiently. The move comes as loc

The Welsh Government has announced a major funding agreement to support the first year of a five-year Regional Transport Plan, marking a significant step forward for transport infrastructure across the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR). The funding forms part of a wider £48.5 million package allocated to south-east Wales through the Welsh Government’s Regional Transport Fund. The investment will support the long-term development of local transport networks and improve connectivit

Transport for the South East (TfSE) has formally approved its refreshed Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), marking a significant milestone in shaping the future of transport across the region. The updated SIP sets out a shared programme of investment in transport infrastructure and policy interventions over the next 25 years. It is designed to deliver the long-term aims and ambitions of TfSE’s Transport Strategy, supporting sustainable growth and improved connectivity. Approval

A celebrated footbridge over the River Conwy in north Wales is being replaced. Local contractor MWT Civil Engineering is erecting a new shared-use pedestrian suspension bridge to replace the Sappers’ Bridge over the river at Betws-y-Coed. The original Sappers’ Bridge was built by Royal Engineers (hence its name)) in 1917 but was later washed away by floods. It was rebuilt in 1930 as a slender iron suspension bridge by London-based David Rowell & Co and became known locally as