M5 Junction 26 scheme earns double industry success with national and international awards. A flagship highways project in Somerset has received two major industry accolades in the space of a week, with the M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project recognised for its innovation, collaboration and delivery excellence against competition from some of the world's largest infrastructure schemes. A major road improvement scheme in Somerset has been recognised on both the national and international stage after securing two prestigious industry awards for excellence in infrastructure delivery. The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project, delivered by Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG) alongside delivery partners AECOM and Heidelberg Materials, claimed the Project Excellence and Innovation Award at the NEC Contracts Annual Awards 2026. The accolade recognises outstanding performance in project delivery, innovation and collaborative working, with the Somerset scheme selected ahead of a strong international field of finalists. Among the projects competing for the title were Hong Kong's £5 billion Trunk Road T4 programme, which finished in second place, and HMP Millsike, the UK's first all-electric prison development, which secured third. Judges praised projects that demonstrated excellence in partnership working, innovative thinking and successful delivery, highlighting those that create lasting value for communities while overcoming complex engineering and delivery challenges. The recognition came just 24 hours after Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group received further honours at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards 2026, where the team was highly commended in the Team of the Year category. The award acknowledged the group's wider contribution to infrastructure delivery, recognising its leadership, collaborative culture and consistent performance across a growing portfolio of major transport projects. Since being established in 2015, Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group has overseen the delivery of more than £110 million of strategically important highway infrastructure across the county. During that period, the team has developed a reputation for delivering technically complex schemes through strong governance, close collaboration with industry partners and a focus on safety, efficiency and value for money. The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project has become one of the programme's flagship schemes, showcasing how modern approaches to design, construction and partnership working can improve connectivity while supporting economic development and delivering environmental benefits. Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Highways and Transport, described the double recognition as an outstanding achievement for everyone involved in the project. He said receiving honours at two major industry awards within the same week reflected the expertise, commitment and collaborative approach demonstrated by the council's Infrastructure Programmes Group and its delivery partners. Wilkins added that winning the NEC Contracts award against internationally recognised infrastructure schemes highlighted Somerset's ability to deliver projects that compete with some of the best examples of infrastructure delivery around the world. He also said the Chelston Link Project illustrates the benefits that can be achieved when local authorities and private sector partners work together with a shared commitment to innovation and delivering positive outcomes for local communities. The latest awards add to an already impressive list of accolades for the scheme. Earlier this year, the project was shortlisted for the Best Highways Decarbonisation Award at the Decarbonising Transport Awards 2026, recognising its contribution to reducing carbon emissions and embedding more sustainable construction practices. It also received commendation in the Innovation Award category at the CIHT South West Awards 2026, further underlining its reputation as an example of best practice in modern highways delivery. With recognition now spanning regional, national and international competitions, the M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project has established itself as one of the UK's most highly regarded recent highway infrastructure schemes, demonstrating how innovation, collaboration and sustainability can combine to deliver lasting benefits for both communities and the wider transport network.

AECOM expands UK government role with appointments across nine CPS2 framework categories. Welcome to Infra-Be! We are a top-tier global infrastructure and renewable energy search & recruitment firm. Whether you're seeking the best talent, salary benchmarking, or market insights, we're here to help. Reach out to us at [email protected] or click here to get in touch. AECOM has significantly strengthened its position within the UK public sector after securing appointments across nine categories of the Government Commercial Agency's Construction Professional Services 2 (CPS2) Framework, broadening its access to major infrastructure programmes over the next four years. The latest appointments represent a substantial expansion from the company's previous position on the framework, where it was selected for five lots in 2021. The renewed agreement provides opportunities to support projects spanning transport, energy, defence, flood resilience, housing, healthcare and education across the UK and internationally. Public sector framework opens access to major infrastructure programmes With an overall value of US$4.7 billion, CPS2 is one of the largest consultancy procurement frameworks established for the UK public sector and serves as a primary route through which government organisations procure technical advisory, engineering, design and project management services. The framework enables central government departments and public bodies to commission support for individual projects, long-term capital investment programmes and overseas developments undertaken on behalf of UK government organisations. Managed by the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), the agreement is intended to improve value for money, reduce procurement risk and provide public sector organisations with streamlined access to specialist expertise across the built environment. Wider scope reflects growing multidisciplinary capability AECOM's expanded appointment gives the company access to a broader range of specialist work than under the previous framework. Its nine successful lots cover general infrastructure, project management, defence, defence enhanced, international services, nuclear energy and three separate flood risk and asset management categories. Together, these appointments allow the company to provide engineering, planning, advisory and programme management services across every stage of the project lifecycle, from early feasibility studies through to construction delivery and long-term asset management. The international category also enables AECOM to support overseas projects for organisations including the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, while the defence-related lots include work requiring enhanced security-cleared capabilities. Long-term partnership with government continues The appointment marks AECOM's second consecutive term on the CPS framework, reinforcing its long-standing relationship with government clients as investment continues across critical national infrastructure. Commenting on the announcement, Lara Poloni, AECOM's President, said "As one of the largest procurement frameworks in the history of UK public sector consultancy, the scope and scale of CPS2 provides an important route to market for our multidisciplinary offerings in key sectors including energy, defence, social infrastructure, transportation and environment." Richard Whitehead, Chief Executive of AECOM's Europe & India region, added "Our appointment to CPS2 deepens our relationship as a trusted partner with organisations across the UK public sector, including central government departments, local authorities and the Environment Agency." Richard said the framework provides an opportunity for the company to continue helping public sector organisations address major infrastructure and built environment challenges over the coming years. About AECOM AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm providing professional services across transportation, water, energy, environment, buildings and programme management. The company supports clients throughout the full project lifecycle, from planning and design to engineering, construction management and long-term asset optimisation, delivering major infrastructure projects in more than 150 countries. Who are InfraBe? We are a leading global infrastructure and renewables search & recruitment business. Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on our opportunities and current news. Please get in contact to discuss your hiring needs, salary bench-marking or market information: [email protected]. InfraBe podcast: exploring the world of infrastructure and renewables. Tune in to our engaging podcast series where we dive deep into the dynamic realm of infrastructure and renewable energy. Join us as we discuss industry trends, innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and insightful interviews with experts and thought leaders. Stay informed and inspired on the go, gaining valuable insights to shape your perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of global infrastructure and renewables.

Foster + Partners on winning team for Melbourne stadium job. The existing, world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) A team led by Architectus Australia featuring Foster + Partners and sports specialist MANICA Architecture has won a commission to upgrade Australia's famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) The architects, working alongside lead engineering consultant AECOM, have been picked by Development Victoria to transform the MCG stadium and its surroundings into a 'world-class' venue. Key aims of the project include reviewing the current condition of the MCG - known as 'The G' - and its ageing Shane Warne Stand and setting out a range of options for upgrading the arena to better meet 'contemporary requirements of athletes, broadcasters and fans'. Mark McManamny, AECOM chief executive of Australia and New Zealand said: 'This is a once-in-a-generation, city-shaping project - one its team is proud to be a part of. As sports fans, Melbourne Cricket Club nd Australian Football League members, club supporters and lifelong MCG attendees, this project is personal to Architecture co. 'The MCG is a global cultural icon that deserves the care and attention of Melbourne's best talent, alongside leading stadium designers from around the world. From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to SoFi Stadium and Everton Football Club Stadium, the team Architecture co has brought together has helped deliver some of the world's most iconic sporting venues and will help define the MCG's next chapter.' Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia and home to 4.7 million people.Hassell, WW+P and RSHP completed a series of stations for Melbourne metro project last year. Located in Yarra Park, MCG is the second largest cricket ground in the southern hemisphere and the complex has been the subject of several upgrades and redevelopments since opening in 1853. Key sporting moments held at the venue include both the first Test Match and the first One Day International, held in 1877 and 1971 respectively. The business case for the MCG's regeneration is due for completion in 2027. Foster + Partners' previous attempt to build in the Australian city hit the rocks in 2019 after a proposed Apple store in the city was dropped amid heritage concerns.