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Press release: Innovative technique to install two bridges in one weekend on A14 upgrade

How do you build two 1,000 tonne bridges over a very busy road while (nearly) keeping the road open throughout? You build them at the side of the road and wheel them into place at the end!

This is exactly what the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon upgrade team has been doing over the past few months. They have built four abutments to support the new bridges as well as two bridge decks at the side of the live carriageway, and are now ready to wheel the bridges decks, each measuring 44 metres, into place on top of the abutments.

Now the team has released an engineering video to show exactly how they plan to tackle the challenge – and it involves a very big, remote controlled platform on wheels.

Animation – Bar Hill junction bridge replacement September 2018

The new bridges, which are being built as part of the £1.5 billion major improvement scheme and will be located at Bar Hill, will be installed during the weekend of 14 September. They will form a new, improved Bar Hill junction which will connect the A14 to the future local access road between Cambridge and Huntingdon, as well as to the existing local road between Bar Hill and Longstanton (B1050).

David Bray, project director for the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon upgrade at Highways England, said:

Redesigning and building the Bar Hill junction was identified from the start of the project as one of the main challenges we would have to tackle. I am delighted that we’ve found a way to build the two bridges while keeping the A14 open as much as possible and disruption for people locally and road users to a minimum. And I am also excited that we’re using such an innovative solution to our challenge – that’s what makes my job so interesting.

A14 Bar Hill junction
The abutments for the two new bridges can be seen just south of the existing bridge and further down on the right of the road, the bridge decks are under construction

To carry out the bridge deck installation work safely, the A14 will need to be closed between Friday 14 September, 9pm, and Monday 17 September, 6am.

During the closure, clearly signed diversions will be in place as traffic not needing to enter or exit the A14 at Bar Hill will not be able to travel through the junction along the A14 in either direction.

Through traffic travelling eastbound toward Cambridge will be diverted to leave the A14 at Godmanchester (junction 24), follow the diversion via the A1198, and A428. Through traffic travelling westbound toward Huntingdon will follow the same diversion in reverse.

The team will also need to make some temporary changes to the slip road during the closure.

Traffic wishing to travel westbound from Bar Hill will be able to access the A14 towards Huntingdon but it won’t be possible to travel eastbound on the A14 from Bar Hill. Traffic wishing to travel eastbound will be diverted via the westbound A14 to Godmanchester and join the through traffic diversion towards Cambridge.

The new bridges will ultimately replace the old bridge which will be demolished in 2019.

To help people find out more about this work and the closures, the A14 upgrade team will be available with their Mobile Visitor Centre at Tesco Bar Hill on Monday 3 September, 4pm to 8pm and Thursday 6 September, 4pm to 8pm.

There is no space to safely watch the work taking place, during the weekend but people can find out more about the work and closure details, and watch the work via a live stream online by visiting the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon social media channels and website.

Highways England is upgrading a 21-mile stretch of the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon to three lanes in each direction including a brand new 17-mile bypass south of Huntingdon, with four lanes in each direction between Bar Hill and Girton. The project, which includes 34 bridges and main structures, will add additional capacity, boost the local and national economy and cut up to 20 minutes off journeys.

To check the latest traffic information for the A14 and other roads, listen to traffic bulletins on local and national radio stations, visit http://www.trafficengland.com/ and follow Highways England on Twitter via @HighwaysEAST.

For the latest information about the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme, visit https://highwaysengland.co.uk/A14C2H follow @A14C2H on Twitter and like the scheme Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/A14C2H/.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.


Link: Press release: Innovative technique to install two bridges in one weekend on A14 upgrade
Source: Gov Press Releases

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The Apprenticeships (Modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England) Order 2018

This Order, made under section 25(3) of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22) (“the Act”), brings into effect modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England. Section 25(3) of the Act was repealed by paragraph 12 of Schedule 1 to the Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20) other than as it applies in relation to England by virtue of provision made under section 115(9) of that Act. Such provision was made in relation to section 25(3) by article 13 of, and paragraphs 2 to 4 and 7 of the Schedule to, the Deregulation Act 2015 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2015.

Link: The Apprenticeships (Modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England) Order 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk

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Press release: Drought planning continues after hot summer puts pressure on environment

The National Drought Group has urged people to use water wisely following a meeting to discuss pressure on water resources and the environment following this summer’s heat wave.

The environment has suffered due to the driest May to July across England since 1921. The Environment Agency (EA) responded to a 330% increase in significant drought-related incidents as teams acted to protect wildlife and rescue fish struggling due to low river flows.

Numerous species, habitats, birds, trees and aquatic life have been affected by the hot, dry summer and high demand for water. EA hydrologists recorded ‘exceptionally low’ river flows for 5 weeks in a row, reservoir stocks for England as a whole were at historic lows for the end of July and soils were the driest on record in the North West.

The EA’s Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan, chaired the National Drought Group meeting and received updates from water companies, discussed ways to protect the environment and sustain support for farmers and businesses. Water companies were asked to outline progress against agreed action plans to maintain water supplies while protecting the environment. They reported that there are no current plans to bring in Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) although water restrictions remain a possibility if rainfall in September is low.

The EA has taken a range of actions to respond to the impacts of dry weather including:

  • Supporting farmers by allowing more flexibility with water abstraction in order to safeguard food production and animal welfare.
  • Operating water transfers to help maintain river flows.
  • Increased monitoring and inspection of businesses abstracting water to ensure they are not taking more water than they need.
  • Issuing 4 drought permits to United Utilities at locations in Cumbria, should they be needed later in the year.
  • Not cleaning EA fleet vehicles and office windows to avoid unnecessary water usage.

Although August has seen dry periods interrupted by bouts of wet weather, the Met Office 3 month outlook for September to November forecasts that above average temperatures and slightly lower than average rainfall are likely.

Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency said:

Over the last few months of prolonged dry weather the Environment Agency, the water companies and many others have been working hard together to reduce the risk of water restrictions and balance the needs of the public, businesses and the environment.

Despite the recent rain, we will need to continue to collaborate closely as we move into autumn. All of us have a role to play in helping to protect the environment and maintain supplies. We encourage everyone to use water wisely.

Link: Press release: Drought planning continues after hot summer puts pressure on environment
Source: Environment Agency

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The A5 Trunk Road (Junction 11, (Llys y Gwynt Interchange), Bangor, Gwynedd to (Gledrid Roundabout), Chirk, Wrexham to the Wales/England Border) (Temporary Traffic Prohibitions and Restrictions) Order 2018 / Gorchymyn Cefnffordd yr A5 (Cyffordd 11 (Cyfnewidfa Llys y Gwynt), Bangor, Gwynedd i (Gylchfan y Gledryd), y Waun, Wrecsam i Ffin Cymru/Lloegr) (Gwaharddiadau a Chyfyngiadau Traffig Dros Dro) 2018

Link:

The A5 Trunk Road (Junction 11, (Llys y Gwynt Interchange), Bangor, Gwynedd to (Gledrid Roundabout), Chirk, Wrexham to the Wales/England Border) (Temporary Traffic Prohibitions and Restrictions) Order 2018 / Gorchymyn Cefnffordd yr A5 (Cyffordd 11 (Cyfnewidfa Llys y Gwynt), Bangor, Gwynedd i (Gylchfan y Gledryd), y Waun, Wrecsam i Ffin Cymru/Lloegr) (Gwaharddiadau a Chyfyngiadau Traffig Dros Dro) 2018

Source: Legislation .gov.uk

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The A470 Trunk Road (Mallwyd Roundabout, Gwynedd to Black Cat Roundabout, Conwy) (Temporary Traffic Prohibitions and Restrictions) Order 2018 / Gorchymyn Cefnffordd yr A470 (Cylchfan Mallwyd, Gwynedd i Gylchfan y Black Cat, Conwy) (Gwaharddiadau a Chyfyngiadau Traffig Dros Dro) 2018

Link:

The A470 Trunk Road (Mallwyd Roundabout, Gwynedd to Black Cat Roundabout, Conwy) (Temporary Traffic Prohibitions and Restrictions) Order 2018 / Gorchymyn Cefnffordd yr A470 (Cylchfan Mallwyd, Gwynedd i Gylchfan y Black Cat, Conwy) (Gwaharddiadau a Chyfyngiadau Traffig Dros Dro) 2018

Source: Legislation .gov.uk

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Press release: CMA launches court action against viagogo

Following an investigation into the secondary ticketing sector, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) began enforcement action against 4 major secondary ticketing websites last November. As a result, 3 of those sites – StubHub, GETMEIN! and Seatwave – offered formal commitments in April to overhaul the way they do business.

However, despite being warned a failure to do likewise would result in court action, viagogo has not offered to make the changes the CMA considers necessary to bring it in line with the law. Legal proceedings have therefore been brought in the High Court.

Andrea Coscelli, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said:

People who buy tickets on websites like viagogo must be given all the information they are entitled to. It’s imperative they know key facts, including what seat they will get and whether there is a risk they might not actually get into the event, before parting with their hard-earned money.

This applies to viagogo as much as it does to any other secondary ticketing website. Unfortunately, while other businesses have agreed to overhaul their sites to ensure they respect the law, viagogo has not. We will now be pursuing action through the courts to ensure that they comply with the law.

The CMA is concerned that viagogo is breaking consumer law – with the result that customers are:

  • not being told if there is a risk that they will be turned away at the door
  • not being informed which seat in the venue they will get
  • not being told who is selling the ticket, so that they can benefit from enhanced legal rights when buying from a business
  • given misleading information about the availability and popularity of tickets – which has the potential to lead to them being rushed into making a buying decision or making the wrong choice
  • experiencing difficulties in getting their money back under viagogo’s guarantee when things go wrong
  • being offered tickets that a seller does not own and may not be able to supply

The CMA is therefore now seeking a court order to bring these practices to an end, and ensure that viagogo does not repeat historic failures to make its customers aware of the face value of tickets on sale through its site.

Given the importance of ensuring its concerns are addressed promptly, the CMA is also seeking an interim enforcement order from the court that, if successful, will put a stop to some practices in the period up until the full trial.

The CMA continues to work closely with partner agencies and enforcers to drive up standards in the sector.

Notes to editors

  1. Further information on the sector wide investigation conducted by CMA.
  2. Further information on the enforcement action conducted by CMA.
  3. On 13 August, Ticketmaster announced that it will be closing its 2 secondary ticket platforms – Seatwave and GetMeIn! – and that from 13 August, no new events will be listed on these platforms. Ticketmaster will still allow tickets to be resold through ticketmaster.co.uk in the future, but it has said that it will only allow those tickets to be sold at the price originally paid or less. Ticketmaster has formally committed to making sure that this new resale function will comply with the commitments it provided to the CMA in April.
  4. The key pieces of consumer protection legislation relevant to the CMA’s investigation are the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA), the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCRs), the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) and the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 (ECRs).
  5. As an enforcer under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the CMA cannot levy administrative fines but it can enforce the above legislation through the courts, and where appropriate, obtain additional measures to improve consumer choice, drive better compliance with the law, or obtain redress for consumers.
  6. Media enquiries to the CMA should be directed to press@cma.gov.uk or 020 3738 6460.

Link: Press release: CMA launches court action against viagogo
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Farmers, growers and processors asked for views on AHDB

Farmers, growers, processors and industry representatives are being asked for their views from today (31 August) on the role of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The AHDB is a UK statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain. As we leave the EU, there is an opportunity to ensure that the sectors that the AHDB covers are as competitive as possible. This review will look at the AHDB’s purpose and priorities, its strengths and where improvements need to be made.

This is a joint 10-week exercise covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The request for views will close on 9 November.

Farming Minister George Eustice said:

At a time when we are designing a new agriculture policy from first principles, now is also a good time to review the role and function of this agricultural and horticultural levy body.

The AHDB collects around £60 million a year in statutory levy from farmers and growers and currently uses that money for a range of purposes to support these sectors.

This request for views is an opportunity for levy payers to have their say about the role and function of the various components of the AHDB in the future.

Jane King, Chief Executive Officer of the AHDB, said:

We welcome this opportunity to gain feedback from farmers and growers, and to help the industry compete in a global marketplace as the country prepares to leave the EU.

We’d encourage views to shape where we can have the biggest impact and drive value as an independent, evidence-based organisation, which carries out marketing at home and abroad, while sharing best practice and innovation with farmers, growers and the wider industry, at this crucial time.

To submit your views please complete the online survey by 9 November. Defra will also be running a number of workshops in the coming weeks .

Link: Press release: Farmers, growers and processors asked for views on AHDB
Source: Gov Press Releases