Lee Kenny

The Association of North East Councils Ltd, known as Nepo, has launched a £50 million framework for vehicle restraint system goods, services and works. The three lots cover projects in North East England, services and works across the UK, and UK-wide goods supply, including permanent and temporary barriers, bridge parapets, design, installation, repair and maintenance. Up to 24 suppliers may be appointed, with the framework expected to operate from March 2027 to March 2031. Enquiries close on 22 September 2026, tenders are due by 30 September, and the anticipated award decision is scheduled for 8 January 2027.

WSP and KPMG have been appointed by National Highways to provide technical assurance, programme support and strategic advice for the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ charging infrastructure activity across England’s Strategic Road Network. The work will address charging provision, electricity connections, delivery risks, costs and customer experience, including ultra-rapid charging at motorway service areas and future eHGV requirements. The appointment is intended to accelerate investment in charging infrastructure and support the transition to zero-emission road transport.

Steve Denton, WSP’s managing director for civils and chair of a National Engineering Policy Centre working group, says the UK’s ageing infrastructure is at a tipping point because assets are nearing the end of their lives, climate change is increasing demands and accelerating deterioration, and society relies heavily on infrastructure systems. He argues that closures and restrictions should be treated as warnings of wider systemic risks. The accompanying report sets out 15 recommendations across seven areas, requiring action from government, regulators, engineers and the wider infrastructure sector. Denton is optimistic about progress but stresses the need to address skills shortages and raise the prestige of infrastructure-management roles.

Thames Water is using more than 75,000 acoustic sensors, satellite data and artificial intelligence to locate underground leaks during exceptionally dry weather in England. The company is repairing over 1,000 leaks a week and detected 88% more leaks in July 2026 than in July 2025, while reporting a 15% reduction in network leakage since 2019/20. A 19-week satellite trial identified over 800 leaks and is estimated to have saved 8.7 million litres of water per day. Thames Water said dry conditions, population growth, climate change and ageing infrastructure are increasing pressure on its network, alongside its ongoing major upgrade programme.

Repair of the Bridgewater Canal breach at Little Bollington has entered competitive contractor procurement after survey and design work by principal consultant SLR Consulting. The January 2025 aqueduct collapse, caused by unprecedented rainfall, drained the canal, closed navigation on part of the Cheshire Ring route and flooded United Utilities’ Dunham Treatment Works. Proposed works include rebuilding the embankment, replacing the canal wall and installing a new culvert, followed by reflooding and removal of temporary dams. Construction will start later than the previously expected August date because technical reviews and responses from the Environment Agency, National Gas, Cadent Gas and United Utilities remain outstanding. A further project update is expected in mid-September.

HS2 engineers and construction partner Balfour Beatty Vinci have launched the first 170 metres of the 700-metre Duddeston Junction Viaduct over two freight railway lines in Birmingham. The project involves crossing six live tracks on a sharply curved, inclined structure and required track realignment, utility relocation and ground remediation. Further launches will cross three passenger lines, with the next phase scheduled to begin in December and the overall operation expected to conclude next summer. HS2, BBV and Network Rail are coordinating the works to maintain passenger and freight services during construction.

Wirral Borough Council has awarded a four-year North West Contractor Framework covering construction, infrastructure and demolition work. The 13 lots have a combined published value of £1.2bn including VAT, with 127 supplier places held by 54 suppliers. Lots 1 to 12 are available to public-sector bodies across North West England, while the £60m demolition lot is restricted to Merseyside. The framework runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030 and was established with Procure Partnerships Framework Ltd.

Great British Energy–Nuclear has outlined a consolidated early works package valued at £730 million to £1.1 billion to prepare an as-yet-unlisted site for small modular reactor construction. The scope includes design, earthworks, remediation, site clearance, construction utilities, drainage, haul roads and other enabling infrastructure, with the contract potentially running from June 2028 to June 2034 and extending to 2037. GBE-N chose one package rather than two to reduce interface risk, while warning that the scope, value and timetable remain subject to change. A preliminary market engagement webinar is scheduled for 3 September 2026, with the tender notice provisionally expected on 1 March 2027; the opportunity is considered suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Network Rail has invited expressions of interest for a proposed £77.6 million, two-lot framework covering rock cutting remediation, drainage improvements and related geotechnical and civil engineering work across Wales and Western regions. The Wales lot is valued at £40.8 million and the Western lot at £36.8 million; suppliers may bid for both but can win only one. The framework is planned to run from December 2026 to December 2029, with extension options through December 2031. Eligible suppliers must hold relevant RISQS codes and a valid Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence, with the formal tender notice scheduled for 4 September 2026.

The TechFest Awards 2026 shortlist features 185 finalists across 21 categories focused on technological innovation in construction and civil engineering. AtkinsRéalis leads with 21 nominations, while numerous contractors, consultancies, infrastructure bodies and academic institutions compete in categories covering digital construction, infrastructure maintenance, smart data collection and emerging talent. The awards, sponsored by Stantec, will be held at London’s Hilton Metropole on 25 November 2026.

Sizewell C has appointed recruitment provider Rullion under an initial three-year partnership to manage early-career recruitment for its nuclear power project. The programme will cover apprenticeships, graduate roles, industrial placements and internships, including around 1,500 apprenticeships during construction, with at least 540 reserved for Suffolk residents. The September intake includes 28 apprentices and 60 graduates and placement students across engineering, project management, cybersecurity, data, health and safety, administration and countryside management. Rullion will also provide candidate assessment, feedback, career guidance and employability support, while working with regional education providers to expand awareness of nuclear and infrastructure careers.