The University of Cambridge’s Centre for Smart Infrastructure & Construction, geosynthetics manufacturer Huesker, contractor Align, designer Jacobs and infrastructure monitoring company Epsimon are using HS2’s South Portal site to test the use of Sensorgrid ground stabilising mesh woven with optic fibre cables. It is envisaged that this could be used to sense minute ground movements in embankments and cuttings, and potentially help prevent land slips and detect the formation of sink holes.
Following initial functional tests at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre, Eversholt Rail and Transport Design International have announced that the Revolution Very Light Rail demonstrator vehicle has been moved to Ironbridge for further trials at a dedicated facility with ‘features typical of rail reopening candidate schemes’.
The Go-Ahead Group has set out a strategy to increase spending with SMEs to least £250m/year across all 12 of its UK bus and rail operating companies from 2022. Initiatives include a SME Champion Group, a ‘how to do business with Go-Ahead’ guide, commitments to continually seek innovations from SMEs, categories for ‘SME only’ spend, a short template contract written in plain English, and publication of an 18-month forward pipeline of upcoming tendering opportunities.
Greenbank has taken over part of the former Garrandale factory in Derby following the engineering company’s collapse. Greenbank has acquired on-site plant and equipment and access to Unit 7 on Northbridge Business Park, and taken on 12 former Garrandale employees. ‘The move also marks another significant step forward in our plans for diversification and further expansion, particularly in the rail sector’, said Greenbank Managing Director Charles Conroy on September 6. Greenbank and Garrandale had previously worked together on various contracts including the manufacture of rolling stock and railway infrastructure components.
Andy Bagguley has joined Hitachi Rail as Head of Fleet Engineering (UK West), with effect from September 6. He was previously Head of Fleet for Eversholt UK Rail Group.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has become an affiliate of the Rail Safety & Standards Board.
