Transport Planning Associates (TPA)

  Dipesh Shah OBE, who has served as Chair of National Highways since September 2020, has announced that he will move on from his role with the UK Government-owned company when his current term of office ends later this year.  According to the Department for Transport (DfT), a short extension to Mr Shah’s tenure at the organisation – which is responsible for operating and maintaining the 4,500-mile strategic road network in England – has been agreed, as the department seeks his replacement.  Amid the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic – which was then at its height – Mr Shah took on the role to help oversee the delivery of the second road investment strategy, in addition to supporting a variety of key strategic initiatives for the organisation.  His time in office saw him work closely with the National Highways executive and board, as well as UK Government ministers and DfT officials, to assist in the transformation of England’s crucial road infrastr...

  Finally, after 18 months of construction, the new A533 Expressway bridge between junction 11 and junction 12 of the M56 has opened to traffic, paving the way for demolition of the old bridge.  The 67-metre, two-span concrete bridge – located near Runcorn in Cheshire – comprises a single two-lane carriageway and a combined footpath and cycleway. National Highways has described the project as “futureproofing a vital connection for residents, commuters and businesses”.  Meanwhile, the old bridge – situated just two metres to the side of its replacement – has now closed, and is set to be demolished later in the spring.  A momentous project for the area, “futureproofing connectivity over the M56”  Sam Whitfield, project manager at National Highways, described the bridge as “vitally important to residents, commuters, and businesses on both sides of the motorway”, and a development “futureproofing connectivity over the M56 for many decades to come. “Over ...