Latest issue of Infrastructure Intelligence available to download

The May/June edition of Infrastructure Intelligence is now available to download as a PDF and as usual we have packed a lot into it.

Our editorial leads on the election of Sadiq Khan as the new mayor of London and the challenges he faces as he settles into his new job. We have a feature interview with HS2's commercial director Beth West, who gives us an inside track on the £520m of contracts for phase two of the high speed line. We also consider ideas for new river crossings over the Thames and ask whether any of them are likely to happen on a scale of one to five.

As the debate over Hinkley Point continues, we asked Paul Wilson from WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff to examine the case for small nuclear reactors and whether these can play a significant role in satisfying the nation's energy needs. Our opinion pages give industry voices the opportunity to wax lyrical on a range of subjects including the new London mayor, new generation pipelines, public engagement on infrastructure projects and the need to consider the role older workers can play in addressing the skills gap.

Our cover story is an in-depth look at devolution, the what, why and where of it, and we try to break down some of the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the process of devolved power and what it means for infrastructure professionals trying to navigate a changing political landscape. Speaking of devolution, WYG director Marc Davies shines a critical but constructive light on the Northern Powerhouse and concludes that there is much more to do if the north is to make real progress. Elsewhere, we continue the regional focus with a look at the Midlands and the prospects for growth there and the frustrations arising from the area not moving ahead quickly enough.

As infrastructure moves further up the political agenda, we thought we'd examine how the industry can best get its voice across to politicians. Who better then to advise us then than Bill Clinton's former transport secretary, Rodney Slater, who says that infrastructure professionals must take a seat at the table with political movers and shakers to avoid being an item on the menu!

Other subjects covered this issue include railway station development, the role of technology in driving productivity, the need to align BIM more closely with contracts and much more. 

Download the May/June edition of Infrastructure Intelligence here.