The new framework aims to increase capacity and improve accessibility across Greater Manchester’s rail network by 2050 Transport for Greater ManchesterTransport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched a comprehensive 30-year plan to modernise and expand the city-region’s rail network. Titled “On the Right Track for Growth: A 2050 Vision for the Future of Rail in Greater Manchester,” the strategy was presented by Mayor Andy Burnham at the Public Transport in the North of E

Contractors for the Lower Thames Crossing have begun preparations to acquire a tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the project, even as the funding model for the scheme remains unresolved. Bouygues Travaux Publics Murphy Joint Venture, appointed by National Highways to construct the 4km central tunnel, is currently inviting tenders from suppliers capable of producing the massive TBM. The machine will be 16.4 metres wide, making it one of the largest tunnel boring machines in the

A proposed £5bn merger between UK infrastructure investors HICL and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) has been called off after shareholders raised objections to the structure of the deal. The merger, initially announced on 17 November, would have involved the voluntary winding up of TRIG, with its assets transferred to HICL in exchange for HICL shares and a £350m liquidity package. However, the plan reportedly offered a cash-out option only for TRIG shareholders, cr

Anglian Water has announced plans to procure an integrated delivery partner for a Major Infrastructure Delivery Framework, designed to support its extensive capital investment programme across the East of England. The initiative aims to tackle pressing challenges linked to climate change adaptation and the region’s projected population growth. The framework seeks a collaborative partner capable of delivering projects flexibly, ensuring infrastructure programmes meet the expec

Balfour Beatty Rail is introducing a new engine-cleaning technology across its tamper fleet as part of efforts to cut emissions and boost engine performance. The company has chosen to deploy Engine Carbon Clean (ECC), a system developed by Advanced Hydrogen Technologies, after a successful trial. The technology uses hydrogen generated on demand to clear carbon deposits from internal combustion engines. By feeding controlled amounts of hydrogen into the air intake, the system

London Councils has issued a renewed warning to e-bike rental companies, urging them to honour local agreements and improve operational standards amid escalating tensions with boroughs over unsafe parking and compliance issues. The body — representing London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London — said that several operators continue to run services in areas without formal contracts, contributing to widespread problems with bikes left strewn across pavements and blocking walkw

Amey has unveiled Tessera, the official brand for its digital signalling technology, highlighting its modular, future-proof architecture designed to integrate smoothly with both existing and next-generation railway signalling systems. At the core of Tessera is the HiMatrix programmable logic controller (PLC) from Hima—technology already widely used across Europe and certified to Safety Integrity Level 4 . Its compact size, low manufacturing cost, and minimal power requiremen

London could halve the cost of major new transport projects by adopting a European model of planning and financing, a City Hall report has said. Infrastructure projects in London are often more expensive than in other European cities, with the Jubilee line extension costing 10 times as much per mile compared to a similar project in Madrid. The report, entitled Mind the Funding Gap, called on the mayor and TfL to restart work on Crossrail 2, which was paused after the governme

Travel in Scotland has bounced back to the levels seen before the pandemic, yet passenger satisfaction with public transport continues to lag, according to the 2024 Transport and Travel in Scotland survey. The survey revealed that 73% of respondents had travelled the day before being interviewed, up from 64% in 2023 and matching figures from 2019. Driving remains the most common mode of transport, representing 51% of trips, followed by walking at 25%. Passengers in cars or va

Westmorland and Furness Council is to ask for greater powers to manage and co-ordinate road works.   A motion to Full Council, proposed by Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, and seconded by Cllr Rupert Audland, said:   "This council appreciates the challenge faced by utilities in the maintenance and repair of their assets. Street works are essential for many of the services we rely upon, such as internet access, electricity and running water but they ca

A major step has been taken in the UK’s largest initiative to provide electric vehicle (EV) charging for households without off-street parking. Oxfordshire County Council has awarded a contract to ODS to deliver up to 500 Gul-e cross-pavement charging units across the county. The innovative Gul-e system allows residents to charge EVs safely from their homes to vehicles parked on the street, without the risk of trip hazards. Councillor Ben Higgins, Cabinet Member for Future E

Police across the South West have recently teamed up to raise awareness of the risks faced by horses and riders on rural roads. In a joint operation in Bampton last month, Devon and Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team worked with the British Horse Society (BHS) and mounted officers from Avon & Somerset Police to remind motorists how to pass horses safely. Figures from the BHS show the scale of the issue: in the past year, 3,118 horse-related incidents were reported on UK roa

Heidelberg Materials UK has completed a technically demanding road renewal scheme along Cheddar Gorge, the country’s deepest natural canyon and one of Somerset’s busiest visitor destinations. The upgrade to the B3135 was delivered under the firm’s long-term maintenance agreement with Somerset Council. To keep disruption to a minimum, all work took place overnight. Crews had to navigate tight bends, sheer limestone cliff faces and gradients reaching 16%, making access and logi

A public consultation has opened for the next phase of an active travel scheme in Northampton – and the design has been refined. The consultation, which is now open, seeks views on proposals to improve safety, accessibility, walking and cycling links around the Abington Park area. The scheme forms part of the wider Northampton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which has been ongoing for a number of years. According to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC)

Professor Patricia Thornley appointed new chief scientific adviser at Department for Transport She has extensive expertise across sustainable energy and clean transport, which will help shape evidence-based policy and advance the UK’s transition to net zero Her role will be central to ensuring that excellent science advice sits at the heart of decision making and strengthens coordination across departments through the Chief Scientific Adviser Network. Aston University’s Profe

Shropshire Council is again inviting schools to apply for up to £1,000 to help enable more children to cycle, walk or scoot to and from school. For the second year in a row the council has been awarded £30,000 of funding from Active Travel England and schools in the council’s area can apply for up to £1,000 to spend on active travel initiatives. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17 December 2025. Earlier this year 18 schools received funding – in addition to 32 t