Major infrastructure projects are accelerating across the UK: from London’s new “super sewer” to HS2 tunnels, mega‑road crossings, and regional rail upgrades. For site and project managers, each milestone brings fresh security challenges and opportunities. In this post, Millennium Security assesses the latest developments and what they mean for safety, surveillance, and site protection.
🏗️ Thames Tideway Tunnel (“Super Sewer”)
Update: Fully operational since February 2025, officially opened by King Charles III in May. The 25 km deep tunnel intercepts 34 combined sewer overflows (CSOs), reducing sewage discharges into the Thames by approximately 95 % WBUR.
What it means:
- Landmark environmental success—millions of tonnes of sewage now rerouted away from the river.
- Legacy gigainfrastructure is now live; continuous site surveillance (CCTV, access control, perimeter monitoring) remains vital to preserve system integrity and public safety in riverside zones.
🚇 HS2 — Northolt Tunnel
Update: Both tunnel boring machines (TBMs) completed the 8.4 mi Northolt Tunnel beneath West London on 26 June 2025 Thames Water+7APM+7Time Out Worldwide+7The Times+1People.com+1.
What it means:
- Major milestone unlocked, shifting focus to station civils and surface works.
- Underground works still require robust security: risk of theft (valuable equipment), unauthorised access to ventilation shafts, and vandalism.
🏗️ HS2 — Colne Valley Viaduct
Update: Deck construction completed September 2024 with full structure delivery by May 2025. Track laying imminent.
What it means:
- Nearing handover stage, but expansive structure still vulnerable to trespassers, viewing platforms, drones, wildlife interference.
- Requires comprehensive access control: fencing, UAV detection, dedicated CCTV coverage supported by mobile patrols.
🌉 Lower Thames Crossing
Update: Approved March 2025; £590 m funding secured June 2025. Construction to start 2026 on the 2.6 mi tunnel and associated highways.
What it means:
- Mega‑scale, long‑term multi‑year program across sensitive swamp and landfill zones.
- Heightened demand for site security on environmental zones, compounds and access routes.
🚆 Coventry Very Light Rail (VLR)
Update: 220 m test track completed; tests ran successfully May 2025. Route alignment for public rollout still pending.
What it means:
- Emerging light rail sector means new civils/staging compounds in urban settings (e.g. Ireland, Midlands).
- Temporary yards and hubs need surveillance and intrusion detection even in early test phases.
⚠️ Other Industry Highlights & Security Takeaways
1. Hinkley Point C wildcat strike (July 2025)
What happened: Hundreds of mechanical engineers walked off over alleged supervisory bullying and poor conditions, including rat infestations APM+2tucmagazine.org+2Tideway+2. EDF launched an independent investigation.
2. Tata Steel’s low‑emission arc furnace, Port Talbot
What happened: Construction of a £1.25 bn electric arc furnace began, cutting emissions 90 % and creating ~5,000 jobs The Guardian.
3. Transpennine Route Upgrade
What happened: Extensive track, station, bridge and electrification works continue across Manchester, Leeds and Huddersfield—some phases complete by 2025, with others extending to 2030+ .
4. UK construction trends (July 2025)
What happened: Glenigan reports +6 % rise in new starts, but large contracts down 24 %, planning approvals down 22 %; however, residential sub‑£100 m schemes surged +49 %.
5. Infrastructure delivery reform under NISTA
What happened: National Infrastructure & Strategic Transport Authority (NISTA) launched 1 April 2025, consolidating oversight. The £725 bn Infrastructure Strategy now spans larger and small schemes.
