Network Rail’s board has identified four “principal challenges” to meeting its Control Period 7 objectives, including funding constraints, asset condition on ageing structures and track, delivery capacity for major renewals, and integration with new digital signalling. Board papers also flag emerging tensions with HS2 over programme interfaces, access to the existing network during construction, and responsibility for shared assets such as junctions and stations. For civil and rail engineers, this points to tighter possession windows, more complex staging of bridge and track works, and potential re‑prioritisation of renewals near HS2 corridors.

Three major onshore transmission “electricity superhighways” across Great Britain have cleared a key hurdle as Ofgem approves revised delivery timetables and early construction funding for National Grid projects. The schemes, part of the wider Holistic Network Design to move large volumes of offshore wind and other low‑carbon generation from Scotland and coastal hubs into English demand centres, include long‑distance 400kV circuits and new substations. Early funding unlocks detailed design, ground investigations and enabling works, with programme changes intended to de‑risk consenting and construction sequencing.

Sizewell C will shift from joint leadership to a single chief executive on 1 January 2026, with current co-managing director Nigel Cann becoming CEO as the project passes final investment decision and financial close into its main construction phase. Cann brings 45 years of nuclear experience, including roles as plant manager at Dungeness B and Sizewell B and delivery director for Hinkley Point C until March 2023, which will be critical as major civils, marine works and nuclear-island construction ramp up. Co-managing director CEO Julia Pyke, who helped secure private investor and commercial bank backing for the multi-billion-pound project expected to supply around 7% of UK electricity, will step down at year-end.