Okehampton Interchange opens: 164,000 new passengers anticipated
Okehampton Interchange, the Dartmoor Line’s newest station, has begun serving passengers, improving connections between West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond. The station is expected to support 164,000 passenger journeys in its first 12 months, strengthening local access to jobs, education, healthcare and wider opportunities. Octavius delivered this scheme as design and […]
Local heroes: Why a caring contractor is essential
The contractor is the public face of the client, so it is critical to choose a trusted ambassador Principal Contractors and their supply chains frequently deliver localised transport infrastructure projects in close proximity to the communities they serve. This is why it is essential to choose a delivery partner able to demonstrate that they put […]
Harmonising delivery: The importance of the integrator
Diverse stakeholders are a hallmark of the transformative projects many combined authorities are looking to implement, so a delivery partner able to integrate and align competing priorities with project goals is key to success. A complex matrix of network users, stakeholder agencies and suppliers is often a defining feature of combined authority transport infrastructure projects. […]
Winterstoke Bridge: Overcoming road over rail challenges
Built in the 1940s to support wartime industries, Winterstoke Road Bridge was no longer able to fulfil its role as a principal route into Weston-super-Mare. In recent years, a weight restriction has meant that larger traffic has to avoid the bridge, causing congestion in the town centre, and the declining condition of the bridge meant […]
RCE Black Country Framework win: new region, new customers
Octavius’ Regional Civil Engineering (RCE) business has won a place on the new £150M Black Country Framework. Organisations, mainly local authorities, across the West Midlands will use the framework to procure a wide range of services to expand, renew and maintain their highways infrastructure. “This is a significant win for Octavius RCE,” said Chris Ellis […]
Bushey PSU: Achieving unprecedented schedule
Upgrading the West Coast Mainline’s (WCML) power supply at Bushey, Hertfordshire, has presented a long-standing challenge. Access to the line, where local commuter services run on slow lines alongside a busy section of the mainline, has been the principal challenge. In spring 2026 Octavius successfully delivered an ambitious solution to the stubborn challenge at Bushey […]
Manchester Victoria North East Gateway: All about people and community
Victoria North East Gateway is a package of road, cycle and walking route enhancements that improve access to Manchester city centre, public transport and provide connections to walking and cycling schemes in other parts of the city. Octavius is Manchester City Council’s, Principal contractor for the project, which marks the company’s first win on the Manchester City Council […]
Harmonising delivery: The importance of the integrator
Diverse stakeholders are a hallmark of the transformative projects many combined authorities are looking to implement, so a delivery partner able to integrate and align competing priorities with project goals is key to success. A complex matrix of network users, stakeholder agencies and suppliers is often a defining feature of combined authority transport infrastructure projects. […]
Local heroes: Why a caring contractor is essential
The contractor is the public face of the client, so it is critical to choose a trusted ambassador Principal Contractors and their supply chains frequently deliver localised transport infrastructure projects in close proximity to the communities they serve. This is why it is essential to choose a delivery partner able to demonstrate that they put […]
Electrification in the age of enterprise delivery
Enterprise delivery, using Project 13 principles, is gaining traction. Richard Jackson, E&P Pre-Delivery Lead, Octavius, and Paige Baker, Development Manager, Octavius, examine the delivery model’s influence on rail renewals electrification Enterprise delivery, embedding Project 13 principles, is becoming an engine of change in the rail infrastructure sector. Project 13 seeks to remove traditional segmented client, […]
AfA: The Story Behind A Successful Handover
Another new Access for All (AfA) upgraded station opens. But before the ceremonies, ribbon-cutting and public appreciation, there’s a story. It’s one of consultation, attention to detail and applied expertise. While the overall aim of making rail travel easier for all is a constant, the precise means of getting to a successful outcome is always […]
AfA Is Bigger Than Inside The Station
Access for All (AfA) represents a substantial investment in making the rail network more accessible and welcoming for people with reduced mobility. Whether it’s full step-free access to platforms or modifications to lighting, signage, layout and facilities, the focus tends to be on what happens inside the station. This is understandable. Adapting a station that’s […]