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The government's decision to give the go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow is a big vote of confidence in the infrastructure sector says Andy Walker in his editor's comment in the latest edition of Infrastructure Intelligence.

Andy Walker
14 November 2016

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Unsurprisingly this issue, we have given a lot of coverage to the government’s decision, finally, to give the green light to Heathrow expansion (p3-6). It’s rightly been described as a landmark decision, not just in terms of airport capacity, but for what it says about the government’s attitude towards major infrastructure projects. Many in our industry will hope that it will be a portent of further announcements in future, as politicians finally get to grips with building the much-needed infrastructure that the country needs to help boost economic prosperity and rebalance the economy.

The perils of not investing in infrastructure in a timely fashion are shown by the delays to projects that are costing the country billions (p7) and we also take a timely look ahead to November’s Autumn Statement and what the chancellor might have in store for our industry (p10).

We take a trip across the pond to speak to Turner & Townsend’s new managing director for North America to find out about his new role and the developing opportunities stateside (p8), while our centre-page story looks at Birmingham New Street and the lasting legacy of this major infrastructure project (p16).

The Improving Behaviours Improving Performance programme is a new initiative in the roads sector that is identifying and embedding the good behaviours that make collaboration work and we have the low-down on that (p18), a feature on the Environmental Industries Commission annual conference that is sure to be a must-attend event post-Brexit (p20), and a special focus on knowledge management following a recent industry forum on the issue (p24).

I also wanted to mention that Infrastructure Intelligence is celebrating its third anniversary on 14 December 2016 with a drinks reception in London. I and the team look forward to meeting many of our readers and contributors at the event to say a big thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Finally, as this is the last issue of 2016, may I be the first to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Andy Walker is the editor of Infrastructure Intelligence.

Click here to download the November/December edition of the magazine.