Member Article

Leading civil engineer tours Teesside port upgrade project

One of the UK’s top engineers has helped launch a national campaign for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) at an important North East infrastructure project.

During his visit to the region, ICE President, Professor David Balmforth met with the team behind the reconstruction of Quay 1, at Teesport, which increases the Port’s capacity to handle larger vessels. Phase one of the project is on target for completion by McLaughlin and Harvey later this month.

The visit also included the unveiling of the ‘This Is Civil Engineering’ banners, which are being positioned on infrastructure project sites across the country to raise public awareness of the industry.

The initiative forms part of ICE’s wider Commit to Infrastructure General Election campaign, and the leading engineering body is hoping it will serve as a reminder that long term investment in infrastructure improves quality of life for the public, regenerates communities and creates jobs.

Professor Balmforth said: “Teesport is fantastic example of the value that first class infrastructure brings to this region.

“The North East needs to secure its fair share of infrastructure investment in the future if it is to realise its full potential as one of the major economic regions of the UK.”

PD Ports’ major investment in its bulk handling facilities at Teesport joins a host of other civil engineering projects around the country also raising their banners as part of the campaign launch fortnight. Projects are also highlighting their benefits via social media forums such as Twitter and Instagram.

The visit was part of the President’s two-day trip to the North East, which culminates with the ICE North East Annual Dinner at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel on Thursday night. During the dinner, Professor Balmforth will present the ICE’s prestigious Robert Stephenson Awards 2015.

#thisiscivilengineering

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Penny Marshall .