HS2 Ltd has backed the development of SafetiBase 4D learning technology from 3D Repo which enables main works contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci’s site teams to identify, record and resolve hazards as part of a virtual construction evaluation and training. Site workers enter the Mission Room, which creates a 360º virtual version of a BBV construction site on HS2’s Area North route, which they can explore and discuss to agree the project’s delivery sequence and identify safety issues.
Translink has selected BWB Consulting to provide project management services for a six-year programme of ‘significant’ signalling improvements.
Rail Forum Midlands has joined the Innovate UK funded ACCESS project which brings together regional industry associations from different sectors including the West England Aerospace Forum and North East Automotive Alliance. The initiative aims to promote cross-sector collaboration to minimise risks of supply chain impact from the pandemic by helping companies expand into new sectors; facilitate onshoring by simplifying the process to identify suppliers; and accelerate sustainable transport initiatives.
Around 150 interested parties attended a virtual market day hosted by Translink to showcase the Weavers Cross transport-led regeneration project around the future Belfast Transport Hub. ‘Work is already underway on our new integrated transport hub, which will be at the core of this development, acting as a powerful engine for energy and growth, connecting people from all over the island and providing a gateway to all major airports and beyond’, said Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway.
The Railway Industry Association’s next Unlocking Innovation online event series to be held on December 14-18 will cover lightweight and low cost railways, including trams, tram-trains and the Very Light Rail project in Coventry.
Greater Anglia has published its first annual Environment & Energy Report. The operator says it reduced carbon emissions by 11% in 2019, and has introduced more energy-efficient trains, cut waste, increase recycling and worked with partners and communities on projects to improve sustainability and biodiversity at stations. ‘It’s important that we get the message out there, let people know that we are working to become even more environmentally friendly and start making the case for choosing the train over the car’, said Environment & Energy Manager Stephanie Evans.
Construction software supplier PODFather has worked with HS2 enabling works contractor LM JV to implement software to manage site logistics, vehicle safety compliance and material tracking. The fully automated system tracks and monitors deliveries and allows suppliers to book them in digitally, negating the need for spreadsheets and printed paper tickets.
Network Rail has deployed touch screen totems to provide passengers with live information at London Bridge, Waterloo, Victoria, Charing Cross and Clapham Junction stations. ‘The totem is unconstrained by fixed power supply and can be moved wherever it’s needed’, said Neil Sheffield, Managing Director of supplier LB Foster TEW Engineering. ‘The software provided means we can instantaneously update passengers with the latest travel information.’ Future plans include displaying the information in other languages, including British Sign language.
Govia Thameslink Railway launched its first Sector-based Work Academy Programme with East Sussex College in November. Targeted at people who have been unemployed on a long-term basis, or who not in training or education, SWAP aims to break down barriers to employment and give candidates an opportunity to develop employability skills whilst gaining qualifications. The 12 candidates will get guaranteed interviews with Southern for two gate line roles at stations between Littlehampton and Hove.
Story Contracting has appointed Bobby Forbes as Commercial Director of its Story Scotland division. He joins the business from Babcock Rail where he held a number of commercial and quantity surveying roles, before being appointed as Commercial Director in 2004.
Avanti West Coast is to remove its Peak restrictions between December 18 and the end of the year, ‘to give customers greater flexibility and help maintain social distancing onboard’.
Rail sector creative agency WillB has launched Unveil, a service which provides web-hosted rich-picture illustrations to explain complex processes. ‘We recently completed a rich picture illustration for Network Rail’, said Creative Director Will Baxter. ‘It was a very complex message that they wanted simplified and visualised, but at the end of the project, I kind of thought to myself, maybe there’s a bit of a better way of doing this? And so Unveil was developed off the back of this thought.’
