The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has expanded its Cyber Runway Critical National Infrastructure programme with innovation accelerator Plexal to bring more cybersecurity SMEs into protecting UK energy, transport, water and digital networks. The scheme targets operational technology and industrial control systems used in assets such as substations, treatment works and tunnels, where legacy SCADA and remote monitoring are increasingly exposed to cyber-physical attacks. For civil and infrastructure engineers, this signals closer integration of cyber risk into asset design, condition monitoring and resilience planning.

Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure has commissioned mapping specialist Gaist to deliver a network-wide digital stock-take of its road assets using AI-based condition assessment. High-resolution imaging and machine-learning classification will be used to catalogue carriageway defects, drainage features and street furniture, creating a georeferenced inventory to support maintenance planning amid a mounting roads backlog. For asset managers and pavement engineers, the move signals a shift towards data-driven prioritisation of resurfacing, patching and drainage interventions across the regional network.

National Grid has appointed consultancy Dalcour Maclaren to deliver land and property services for the proposed Cross Border Connection, a new 400kV electricity transmission link between Scotland and north‑west England. The role will cover route safeguarding, landowner negotiations and access rights along the cross‑border corridor, a critical step before detailed design and consenting. For civil and geotechnical teams, the appointment signals early progression towards corridor definition, ground investigation access and future construction compounds for this high‑voltage reinforcement of the GB grid.