7th Dec 2023

Align JV team wins TechFest award for increasing productivity

Congratulations to our Align JV constructing the C1 section of HS2, who won TechFest Best Use of Technology in the Site Productivity category.

Our Align JV team were honoured at the TechFest Awards on 23rd November at the Hilton, Bankside, London, for their use of technological innovations to boost productivity at the complex HS2 project.

HS2 is one of the largest and most challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK. Our Align JV team is delivering two of the most complicated parts; a 3.4km viaduct (the UK's longest) and a 16.04km twin-bored tunnel (HS2’s longest) with five ventilation shafts.

The team has been systematically employing technological innovations, such as leveraging the use of real-time data and providing adequate tools and training to our teams. As a result, they’ve significantly streamlined construction, boosting productivity for HS2 and creating a benchmark to drive the civil engineering and construction industry forward. The team’s outstanding efforts also demonstrate how innovative use of technology also improves environmental impact, human aspects, and quality.

The TechFest awards celebrate the best use of technological advancements and innovation in various sectors. The Site Productivity category recognises teams using technology to improve productivity when delivering on-site projects.

Nick Podevyn, Sir Robert McAlpine Innovation & Improvement Manager, added:

“Productivity and digital transformation are two significant themes in the construction industry so it is hugely satisfying to receive industry recognition for the efforts we have made at HS2. We are driven by our Joint Venture values of excellence, collaboration, safety, integrity and respect and our strategic intent to productionise the construction site using appropriate technological innovations. The project team, in collaboration with the supply chain, have worked tirelessly to implement new technologies and improve site productivity using lean methodologies and this award is testament to their hard work.”

This achievement not only highlights our team's dedication to excellence but also positions us as leaders in adopting cutting-edge solutions to drive efficiency and success.

Belinda Smart, Deputy Editor of New Civil Engineer, commented:

“The winners of this year’s TechFest Awards are a source of inspiration. Their efforts show that technological and digital innovation continue to break new ground in construction and engineering, driving solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges and positioning industry and the wider community for a better future."

View the full list of winners here.

  • Building an Infrastructure Legacy

    From the pioneering railways and viaducts of the Victorian era constructed by our founder, we continue to build on our legacy of infrastructure projects with the delivery of today’s essential highway and rail networks.

    Find out more

Latest Infrastructure news

  1. Green Apple award for project with sustainability at its core

    27 Nov 2024

    The sustainable approach to delivery taken by our AmeySRM JV team on the A533 Expressway Replacement Bridge Scheme has seen the project honoured with an international Green Apple Environment Award.

    Read more about
  2. HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct wins design award

    26 Nov 2024

    Colne Valley Viaduct named winner in the 'engineering' category  of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust’s Building Beauty Awards - 2024 

    Read more about
  3. A19 named England’s No1 road

    08 Nov 2024

    The Strategic Roads User Survey by Transport Focus highlights the remarkable success of the A19 DBFO Project.

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. Raptor cranes at 2 Finsbury Avenue

    10 Jan 2025

    Raptor cranes enhance productivity at 2 Finsbury Avenue, British Land’s iconic dual-tower project redefining Broadgate’s skyline.

    Read more about
  2. 2 Finsbury Avenue celebrates bottoming out ceremony

    10 Dec 2024

    Guests gathered at the lowest point of the structure’s foundations, just over 50m below ground.

    Read more about
  3. ONE Station Hill reaches practical completion

    06 Dec 2024

    Congratulations to all those who have worked on ONE Station Hill in Reading as the project completes.

    Read more about
View all news