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.

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.

Technicians suspended on ropes have completed nine consecutive nights of at-height inspections on Liverpool’s 138m St Johns Beacon, requiring night-time closure of surrounding city centre streets. Rope access teams inspected exposed concrete and structural steelwork on the tower’s shaft and viewing pod, carrying out non-destructive testing to assess material condition and any localised deterioration. Findings will inform future maintenance and potential strengthening strategies for the 1960s structure, where access constraints make rope techniques more practical than large temporary scaffolds or crane platforms.