With the government delivering over £450 billion in major UK infrastructure developments - the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio reflects the priorities for making the UK’s infrastructure fit for the 21st Century. These projects represent a major opportunity for those in construction focused on the infrastructure sector.
Work on the £1.5bn upgrade to the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon started in November last year. The revamp will cover 22 miles, half of which is off the route of the current road and will take four years to complete. The project includes widening a total of seven miles of the A14 in each direction, a major new bypass south of Huntingdon, widening a three-mile section of the A1 and demolition of a viaduct at Huntingdon, which will support improvements in the town.
Chris Griffin, A14 project manager at Highways England, says:
“We are continuing to make good progress throughout the scheme and I am pleased to report that the outline for most of the new roads has now been created and it will not be long before some of our first structures are completed.”
An important part of the project has been the planning of environmental mitigation. A team of ecologists is creating new habitats for the local wildlife and in addition, the team will replant twice as many trees as have been felled throughout the project by the time it is completed.
The construction industry currently makes up 6.5% of the UK economy and forecasts suggest a healthy growth rate of 3.6% in 2016 returning output to pre-recession levels. Growth is being driven by demand for infrastructure, public and private housing and commercial buildings.
David Bray and Willie McCormick from Highways England will be speaking at Explore Offsite Infrastructure - discussing a case study on the A14 Project.
David Bray and Willie McCormick will be joined at Explore Offsite Infrastructure by an outstanding speaker line-up that includes: Phil Wilbraham, Development Director - Heathrow Airport; John Spittle, UK Representative – Wiehag; Steve Kaye, Head of Innovation - Anglian Water; Phil Robinson- Lead, Principal Engineering - Laing O'Rourke. And more, for the full list of speakers go to: http://exploreoffsite.co.uk/2017-events/explore-offsite/conference-speakers
Taking place on 05 December 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham, this combined conference and exhibition will present pioneering case studies of civil engineering projects that have used offsite technology to deliver infrastructure schemes on programme and budget. Explore Offsite Infrastructure provides a dynamic and interactive learning experience for all delegates through presentations and the wide array of exhibitors. Tickets cost £125 + vat to include access to conference and exhibition, parking, refreshments and lunch - to find our more or to secure your place at Explore Offsite Infrastructure go to: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/book
