Plans for major programme of A828 improvements announced11 Aug 2017

A major programme of improvements for the A828 is proposed to take place in September which will see fourteen different schemes carried out on the route between North Connell and South Ballachulish.  

The £700,000 programme of work includes:

• resurfacing at ten locations providing over 4km of new running surface

• drainage upgrades

• safety barrier installations

• cycleway improvements

• road marking refreshments

• road stud replacements

• installation of bend warning verge markers

• landscaping activities and other minor repairs    

 

The programme will allow multiple schemes to be completed at the same time minimising the overall impact on local residents and commuters over the year.    

A full programme of the proposed work and a list of specific locations to be upgraded is available to download at the bottom of this page, or click here to view an interactive map of the project.

 

Traffic Management

To address the challenges of undertaking works in this location the project is proposed to be completed under a combination of traffic management arrangements over three weeks in September with, for the first time on this route, proposals for up to ten day-time road closures of the route completed in two phases.  

Working simultaneously at a number of locations under traffic management most appropriate for the location and type of work, creates a much safer environment for teams to work in, as well as allowing the resources available to be deployed with maximum effectiveness to complete a range of schemes in the minimum possible time.   In addition, the outputs from multiple quarries to supply materials will be maximised (night-time operations at these facilities are heavily restricted). This cuts the overall time needed to complete the same work at night by more than half.   

Other factors which affect our decision making on timing of delivering roadworks include:-

• Road width – The schemes all require lane restrictions or road closure for public and worker safety.  Traffic management guidelines dictate that an absolute minimum width of 6m is required as a safe working space for carriageway improvements.  In this case these widths cannot be achieved on a number of locations on this route – which in effect means the road needs to be closed for the improvements to be made safely.

• Quarry Hours  - Conditions on planning permission dictate quarry hours, especially at night. This includes noise disruption to nearby residents meaning quarries have limited operating times to gain access to surfacing materials.

• Weather conditions – Durable surfacing requires good weather – ideally dry and mild.  

• Quarry locations – There are a very limited number of quarries with surfacing material in the area. Material has to be transported to site and laid within specified temperature range and timing constraints. 

• Value for money – Roadworks in better weather means fewer future repairs, saving money and enabling more schemes.  Longer shifts lead to more efficient working and less road closures. 

 

Planned programme

A full programme of the proposed work and a list of specific locations to be upgraded is available to download at the bottom of this page, or click here to view an interactive map of the project.

The work is planned to be completed in two phases as follows:

• Phase One – A828 between Ballachulish and Creagan, Monday 11 – Monday 18 September

o Road closed for three days Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 September, 8am to 7pm.  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.  All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

o Road open at all times to light vehicles only with  temporary traffic signals in place on 14, 15 and 18 September (no restrictions in place at weekends), with HGVs being diverted during the daytime.

 

• Phase Two - A828 between Creagan and Ledaig, Tuesday 19 to Thursday 28 September 

o Road closed for seven days, Tuesday 19 – Wednesday 27 September, 8.30am to 7pm (weekdays only, no restrictions at weekends).  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.   All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

o Road open at all times to light vehicles only and temporary traffic signals in place for the final day of operations on 28 September with HGVs diverted during the daytime.  

 

Consultation

We always try to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users as much as possible, and we are very conscious of the impact of roadworks on users.  Extensive consultation is currently underway with the Emergency Services, the Local authority, Transport Operators, local businesses and residents to gauge their feedback on the proposals.

The first stage of consultation is already underway with discussions between bus operators and the Local Authority in an effort to ensure public and school transport is maintained throughout all the proposals.  

BEAR Scotland are now launching a wider consultation to residents and local businesses with all feedback welcomed.  A dedicated consultation email address has been set up to allow this feedback to take place; A828consultation@bearscotland.co.uk

 

Commenting on the proposals, North West Representative for BEAR Scotland, Eddie Ross, said: ““This is the first time we have proposed carrying out a programme of major investment using this method and have considered various options to get to this point. We want to gauge feedback from the public – both positive and negative – in relation to how we propose to undertake them. 

“The proposal to deliver the package of improvements in two phases under ‘blocks’ of day closures, ten in total, outwith the summer peak season would mean considerably less disruption throughout the year for road users and would provide a much safer environment for roadworkers.   

“The night-time alternative would mean delaying the improvements until summer 2018 and would remain subject to obtaining agreements allowing access to quarry supplies. A delay until summer 2018 would also require restrictions this year to allow some temporary works to take place in the meantime in order to ensure the road remains safe until permanent repairs can be carried out.

 “We’ll make sure to communicate decision to all stakeholders once we’ve discussed all feedback.”

Click the below link to view a downloadable version of the detailed programme of work, a specific list of locations, map of the route and the diversion plans, or view an interactive map of the locations by clicking here.

 

 

BEAR Scotland A828 Improvements September 2017 - Information Pack.pdf

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BEAR Scotland launch consultation ahead of major programme of investment for A82811 Aug 2017

• Public asked for feedback on proposals for completing multiple improvement schemes along the route

• Ten day-time road closures proposed to maximise the amount of work that can be completed safely and quickly

 

BEAR Scotland, along with Transport Scotland, have begun consulting on proposals to carry out over £700,000 of road maintenance and improvements on the A828 in the shortest possible timescale with the aim to minimise disruption to road users.

The major programme of work involves fourteen different schemes which will improve the A828 and increase road safety for motorists.  The package includes resurfacing at ten locations providing over 4km of new running surface, as well as drainage upgrades, safety barrier installations, cycleway improvements, road marking refreshment, road stud replacement, installation of bend warning verge markers, landscaping activities and other minor repairs.    The programme will allow multiple schemes to be completed at the same time minimising the overall impact on local residents and commuters over the year.  

The project is planned to be completed under a combination of traffic management arrangements over three weeks in September with, for the first time on this route, proposals for up to ten day-time road closures in two phases covering different sections.  

Click here to visit an information page for the A828 programme of major works

Working simultaneously at a number of locations under traffic management most appropriate for the location and type of work, creates a much safer environment for teams to work in, as well as allowing the resources available to be deployed with maximum effectiveness to complete a range of schemes in the minimum possible time.   In addition, the outputs from multiple quarries to supply materials will be maximised (night-time operations at these facilities are heavily restricted). This cuts the overall time needed to complete the same work at night by more than half.   

BEAR Scotland is very conscious of the impact of roadworks on users and is asking the public to provide feedback on the road closures and restrictions described below.

The improvements are proposed to be carried out between 11 and 28 September in two phases, outlined below.

Phase One – A828 between Ballachulish and Creagan, Monday 11 – Monday 18 September 

• Road closed for three days Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 September, 8am to 7pm.  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.  All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

• Road open at all times to light vehicles only with  temporary traffic signals in place on 14, 15 and 18 September (no restrictions in place at weekends), with HGVs being diverted during the daytime.

 

Phase Two - A828 between Creagan and Ledaig, Tuesday 19 to Thursday 28 September 

• Road closed for seven days, Tuesday 19 – Wednesday 27 September, 8.30am to 7pm (weekdays only, no restrictions at weekends).  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.   All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

• Road open at all times to light vehicles only and temporary traffic signals in place for the final day of operations on 28 September, with HGVs diverted during the daytime.  

Click here to view an interactive map of the project

Carrying out all activities within the combined project separately and at night would require at least 22 night-time closures and take up to twelve weeks to complete, meaning multiple road closures and traffic management processes spread throughout this prolonged period.  The proposal to deliver the package of improvements in two phases under ‘blocks’ of day closures, outwith the summer peak season, will mean considerably less disruption throughout the year for road users and provides a much safer environment for roadworkers.   The “night-time” alternative would mean delaying the improvements until summer 2018 and would remain subject to obtaining agreements allowing access to quarry supplies. This delay until summer 2018 would also require restrictions this year to allow some temporary works to take place in the meantime in order to ensure the road remains safe until permanent repairs can be carried out.

The first stage of consultation is already underway with discussions between bus operators and the Local Authority in an effort to ensure public and school transport is maintained throughout all the proposals.  

BEAR Scotland are now launching a wider consultation to residents and local businesses with all feedback welcomed.  A dedicated consultation email address has been set up to allow this feedback to take place.

Commenting on the proposals, North West Representative for BEAR Scotland, Eddie Ross, said: 

“This is the first time we have proposed carrying out a programme of major investment using this method.  

“These roadworks are essential to improve the safety of the trunk road, but we want to gauge  feedback from the public – both positive and negative – with regards to the proposed timing of these schemes.  

“We take a huge number of factors into account when planning any project – from the impact on the tourist season, to the weather, to the quarry opening hours, to bus times – and these schemes are no exception.  

“With the restricted availability of surfacing materials for night time operations, it has been necessary for us to explore other options which allow us to deliver this package of work.

“By going in during the day time would mean a shorter period of disruption overall, and would allow us to complete the schemes as quickly and safely as possible by using multiple work squads.  The alternative would mean a much longer overall period of working, with at least 22 night time closures required to complete the full programme safely and always assuming that quarry materials are available and weather hasn’t impacted operations.  This would be followed by a further seven to eight weeks of night time working with traffic lights to complete the works.

“We have already considered alternative options for completing this major programme of investment, and we’ll make sure to communicate decisions to all stakeholders once we’ve discussed all feedback.”

Consultation on the proposals is ongoing and is expected to finish by Monday 21 August.

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Plans for major programme of A828 improvements announced11 Aug 2017

A major programme of improvements for the A828 is proposed to take place in September which will see fourteen different schemes carried out on the route between North Connell and South Ballachulish.  

The £700,000 programme of work includes:

• resurfacing at ten locations providing over 4km of new running surface

• drainage upgrades

• safety barrier installations

• cycleway improvements

• road marking refreshments

• road stud replacements

• installation of bend warning verge markers

• landscaping activities and other minor repairs    

 

The programme will allow multiple schemes to be completed at the same time minimising the overall impact on local residents and commuters over the year.    

A full programme of the proposed work and a list of specific locations to be upgraded is available to download at the bottom of this page, or click here to view an interactive map of the project.

 

Traffic Management

To address the challenges of undertaking works in this location the project is proposed to be completed under a combination of traffic management arrangements over three weeks in September with, for the first time on this route, proposals for up to ten day-time road closures of the route completed in two phases.  

Working simultaneously at a number of locations under traffic management most appropriate for the location and type of work, creates a much safer environment for teams to work in, as well as allowing the resources available to be deployed with maximum effectiveness to complete a range of schemes in the minimum possible time.   In addition, the outputs from multiple quarries to supply materials will be maximised (night-time operations at these facilities are heavily restricted). This cuts the overall time needed to complete the same work at night by more than half.   

Other factors which affect our decision making on timing of delivering roadworks include:-

• Road width – The schemes all require lane restrictions or road closure for public and worker safety.  Traffic management guidelines dictate that an absolute minimum width of 6m is required as a safe working space for carriageway improvements.  In this case these widths cannot be achieved on a number of locations on this route – which in effect means the road needs to be closed for the improvements to be made safely.

• Quarry Hours  - Conditions on planning permission dictate quarry hours, especially at night. This includes noise disruption to nearby residents meaning quarries have limited operating times to gain access to surfacing materials.

• Weather conditions – Durable surfacing requires good weather – ideally dry and mild.  

• Quarry locations – There are a very limited number of quarries with surfacing material in the area. Material has to be transported to site and laid within specified temperature range and timing constraints. 

• Value for money – Roadworks in better weather means fewer future repairs, saving money and enabling more schemes.  Longer shifts lead to more efficient working and less road closures. 

 

Planned programme

A full programme of the proposed work and a list of specific locations to be upgraded is available to download at the bottom of this page, or click here to view an interactive map of the project.

The work is planned to be completed in two phases as follows:

• Phase One – A828 between Ballachulish and Creagan, Monday 11 – Monday 18 September

o Road closed for three days Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 September, 8am to 7pm.  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.  All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

o Road open at all times to light vehicles only with  temporary traffic signals in place on 14, 15 and 18 September (no restrictions in place at weekends), with HGVs being diverted during the daytime.

 

• Phase Two - A828 between Creagan and Ledaig, Tuesday 19 to Thursday 28 September 

o Road closed for seven days, Tuesday 19 – Wednesday 27 September, 8.30am to 7pm (weekdays only, no restrictions at weekends).  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.   All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

o Road open at all times to light vehicles only and temporary traffic signals in place for the final day of operations on 28 September with HGVs diverted during the daytime.  

 

Consultation

We always try to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users as much as possible, and we are very conscious of the impact of roadworks on users.  Extensive consultation is currently underway with the Emergency Services, the Local authority, Transport Operators, local businesses and residents to gauge their feedback on the proposals.

The first stage of consultation is already underway with discussions between bus operators and the Local Authority in an effort to ensure public and school transport is maintained throughout all the proposals.  

BEAR Scotland are now launching a wider consultation to residents and local businesses with all feedback welcomed.  A dedicated consultation email address has been set up to allow this feedback to take place; A828consultation@bearscotland.co.uk

 

Commenting on the proposals, North West Representative for BEAR Scotland, Eddie Ross, said: ““This is the first time we have proposed carrying out a programme of major investment using this method and have considered various options to get to this point. We want to gauge feedback from the public – both positive and negative – in relation to how we propose to undertake them. 

“The proposal to deliver the package of improvements in two phases under ‘blocks’ of day closures, ten in total, outwith the summer peak season would mean considerably less disruption throughout the year for road users and would provide a much safer environment for roadworkers.   

“The night-time alternative would mean delaying the improvements until summer 2018 and would remain subject to obtaining agreements allowing access to quarry supplies. A delay until summer 2018 would also require restrictions this year to allow some temporary works to take place in the meantime in order to ensure the road remains safe until permanent repairs can be carried out.

 “We’ll make sure to communicate decision to all stakeholders once we’ve discussed all feedback.”

Click the below link to view a downloadable version of the detailed programme of work, a specific list of locations, map of the route and the diversion plans, or view an interactive map of the locations by clicking here.

 

 

BEAR Scotland A828 Improvements September 2017 - Information Pack.pdf

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BEAR Scotland launch consultation ahead of major programme of investment for A82811 Aug 2017

• Public asked for feedback on proposals for completing multiple improvement schemes along the route

• Ten day-time road closures proposed to maximise the amount of work that can be completed safely and quickly

 

BEAR Scotland, along with Transport Scotland, have begun consulting on proposals to carry out over £700,000 of road maintenance and improvements on the A828 in the shortest possible timescale with the aim to minimise disruption to road users.

The major programme of work involves fourteen different schemes which will improve the A828 and increase road safety for motorists.  The package includes resurfacing at ten locations providing over 4km of new running surface, as well as drainage upgrades, safety barrier installations, cycleway improvements, road marking refreshment, road stud replacement, installation of bend warning verge markers, landscaping activities and other minor repairs.    The programme will allow multiple schemes to be completed at the same time minimising the overall impact on local residents and commuters over the year.  

The project is planned to be completed under a combination of traffic management arrangements over three weeks in September with, for the first time on this route, proposals for up to ten day-time road closures in two phases covering different sections.  

Click here to visit an information page for the A828 programme of major works

Working simultaneously at a number of locations under traffic management most appropriate for the location and type of work, creates a much safer environment for teams to work in, as well as allowing the resources available to be deployed with maximum effectiveness to complete a range of schemes in the minimum possible time.   In addition, the outputs from multiple quarries to supply materials will be maximised (night-time operations at these facilities are heavily restricted). This cuts the overall time needed to complete the same work at night by more than half.   

BEAR Scotland is very conscious of the impact of roadworks on users and is asking the public to provide feedback on the road closures and restrictions described below.

The improvements are proposed to be carried out between 11 and 28 September in two phases, outlined below.

Phase One – A828 between Ballachulish and Creagan, Monday 11 – Monday 18 September 

• Road closed for three days Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 September, 8am to 7pm.  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.  All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

• Road open at all times to light vehicles only with  temporary traffic signals in place on 14, 15 and 18 September (no restrictions in place at weekends), with HGVs being diverted during the daytime.

 

Phase Two - A828 between Creagan and Ledaig, Tuesday 19 to Thursday 28 September 

• Road closed for seven days, Tuesday 19 – Wednesday 27 September, 8.30am to 7pm (weekdays only, no restrictions at weekends).  Access for public transport and emergency services would be accommodated, and access for local residents and businesses will be maintained when it is safe to do so.   All other vehicles will be diverted at Ballachulish and Connel via Tyndrum (A82 and A85).  The road will be re-opened each evening.  

• Road open at all times to light vehicles only and temporary traffic signals in place for the final day of operations on 28 September, with HGVs diverted during the daytime.  

Click here to view an interactive map of the project

Carrying out all activities within the combined project separately and at night would require at least 22 night-time closures and take up to twelve weeks to complete, meaning multiple road closures and traffic management processes spread throughout this prolonged period.  The proposal to deliver the package of improvements in two phases under ‘blocks’ of day closures, outwith the summer peak season, will mean considerably less disruption throughout the year for road users and provides a much safer environment for roadworkers.   The “night-time” alternative would mean delaying the improvements until summer 2018 and would remain subject to obtaining agreements allowing access to quarry supplies. This delay until summer 2018 would also require restrictions this year to allow some temporary works to take place in the meantime in order to ensure the road remains safe until permanent repairs can be carried out.

The first stage of consultation is already underway with discussions between bus operators and the Local Authority in an effort to ensure public and school transport is maintained throughout all the proposals.  

BEAR Scotland are now launching a wider consultation to residents and local businesses with all feedback welcomed.  A dedicated consultation email address has been set up to allow this feedback to take place.

Commenting on the proposals, North West Representative for BEAR Scotland, Eddie Ross, said: 

“This is the first time we have proposed carrying out a programme of major investment using this method.  

“These roadworks are essential to improve the safety of the trunk road, but we want to gauge  feedback from the public – both positive and negative – with regards to the proposed timing of these schemes.  

“We take a huge number of factors into account when planning any project – from the impact on the tourist season, to the weather, to the quarry opening hours, to bus times – and these schemes are no exception.  

“With the restricted availability of surfacing materials for night time operations, it has been necessary for us to explore other options which allow us to deliver this package of work.

“By going in during the day time would mean a shorter period of disruption overall, and would allow us to complete the schemes as quickly and safely as possible by using multiple work squads.  The alternative would mean a much longer overall period of working, with at least 22 night time closures required to complete the full programme safely and always assuming that quarry materials are available and weather hasn’t impacted operations.  This would be followed by a further seven to eight weeks of night time working with traffic lights to complete the works.

“We have already considered alternative options for completing this major programme of investment, and we’ll make sure to communicate decisions to all stakeholders once we’ve discussed all feedback.”

Consultation on the proposals is ongoing and is expected to finish by Monday 21 August.

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North East Connections - Summer 201707 Jul 2017

Our latest North East Connections newsletter is now out!

Read about the latest news from the North East Unit, including our summary of the past winter, our latest investments in the trunk roads and some of our work in the community.

Click here to read the newsletter, or download it via the link below!

 

BEAR Scotland - North East Connections Stakeholder Newselter - Summer 2017.pdf

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BEAR Scotland celebrates International Women in Engineering Day23 Jun 2017

 

BEAR Scotland manages and maintains over 2000km of trunk roads including over 3000 structures in the north of Scotland.  Our team of engineers work hard to deliver road and bridge maintenance schemes in order to keep the network safe and moving.  

We’re proud to be taking part in International Women in Engineering Day on Friday 23 June to raise the profile and celebrate the achievements of women in engineering and encourage more girls to consider engineering as a career.  We caught up with some of the women in engineering within BEAR Scotland to find out what inspired them to get into engineering, the highlights of their career and the best bits about their role.   

Meet some of the women in engineering within our team:

 

Lilia Bliatsiou

Assistant Bridge Engineer

Lilia graduated with a BSc in Civil Engineering from South Wales University in 2011. Since then she has had a career spanning multiple countries including working at her university’s laboratories in south Wales, followed by three years working in a Roads and Structures team in Greece before joining BEAR Scotland’s Bridges team in 2014.  She is now part of a team responsible for over 2,400 structures in North West Scotland, and completed BEAR’s ICE Graduate Programme in May. 

 

Why engineering, and who inspired you?

Engineering is the best job I could think of when I was applying for universities. You can see your ideas and designs materialise and you can be a part of the whole process from conceptual design to the actual construction. 

Best thing about your job with BEAR:

Being a part of the Bridges team, working on my designs in the office and also being able to go on site for surveys, site supervisions and inspections of structures.

Career highlight: 

Completing BEAR’s ICE Graduate Programme in May this year.

What does it mean to be a woman in engineering?:

An engineer is not defined by gender but by their ability to think critically and solve problems effectively - I think it is just that societal expectations contribute to less women being involved in engineering.

 

 

Amie Matthews

Graduate Engineer

Amie graduated from the University of Dundee in 2014 before working as a CAD Technician and designer for a precast concrete products manufacturing company in Edinburgh for a year and a half, designing concrete flooring and stairs for hotels and flats.  Amie joined BEAR Scotland’s Minor Improvements and Traffic and Road Safety team in 2016 and is currently working on schemes to improve the safety of the trunk road network, and is part of BEAR’s ICE Graduate scheme.

 

Why engineering, and who inspired you?

I always enjoyed school work where it involved designing something, I didn’t mind what it was that I was designing - I just really enjoyed the process and the problem solving. I chose civil engineering because my dad was a civil engineer and inspired me with interesting stories about design problems and how he overcame them.

Best thing about your job with BEAR:

Carrying out accident investigation and prevention studies. It is a very rewarding task as the recommendations I make in the study directly influence the safety of Scotland’s trunk roads.

Career highlight: 

I have only been with BEAR for a year so I have not undertaken any large schemes as of yet, but the general highlight is seeing my design get constructed.

What does it mean to be a woman in engineering?:

It’s just like being a man in engineering...except you happen to be female!

 

 

Julie Lee

Road Maintenance Scheme Designer

Julie has worked for BEAR Scotland for four years since leaving school, starting first as a Roads Inspector for the company before progressing to a Category 2 Designer which involves designing road maintenance schemes and repairs.  Julie is also currently studying towards her HND in Civil Engineering at Dundee and Angus College.

 

Why engineering, and who inspired you?

I knew I wanted to have a career in engineering since I was at school, one of my technology teachers influenced me and encouraged me to go for it.

Best thing about your job with BEAR:

I get the opportunity to design small schemes to help and improve the trunk road network in the north west of Scotland.

Career highlight: 

When BEAR gave me the opportunity to study Civil Engineering which led to me furthering my career within the company.

What does it mean to be a woman in engineering?

I think it’s great and women should not be put off by the fact that there are more men within the industry.

 

 

Kristen Milne

Road Maintenance Scheme Coordinator

Kristen is BEAR Scotland’s coordinator for all road maintenance schemes and repairs in the north west of Scotland that are classed as category 1 or 2 projects.  She leads a team of designers who work on engineering projects which can vary significantly in size and nature, allowing plenty of opportunity to expand her expertise in the field. These projects are vital in ensuring the safety of the trunk road network in Scotland.

 

Why engineering, and who inspired you?

I have been involved in the engineering sector for most of my working career.  When an opportunity arose to have an active role in BEAR Scotland’s design office, I took it.  

Best thing about your job with BEAR:

No one day is the same in my role as the unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather can have a dramatic effect on the day to day work. In spite of the challenges of working in such a reactive role, working with good colleagues and different teams across the company makes the role enjoyable. 

Career highlight: 

Progressing from a scheme Designer to Coordinator of road maintenance schemes at BEAR.

What does it mean to be a woman in engineering?

I’m part of an industry which is both challenging and empowering all at the same time, and I hope more women get involved.

 

 

Marta Ibanez

Environmental Advisor

Marta works as part of the Environmental team at BEAR Scotland, a core team that helps ensure all of BEAR’s work is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Before joining BEAR two years ago, Marta worked for two years with two leading logistics companies in Spain implementing Environmental Management Systems.

 

Why engineering, and who inspired you?

My background is in Environmental Sciences, so although I did not study engineering I’ve chosen to work in the civil engineering field to influence engineers regarding environmental protection.  My biggest inspiration behind my career choice was my mother. She always encouraged me to leave my mark and change the environment for the better and challenge others around me to do the same. 

Best thing about your job with BEAR:

Working with colleagues with diverse backgrounds, nationalities and interests.

Career highlight: 

Attaining my Associate professional qualification from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

What does it mean to be a woman in engineering?

It means the same as being a woman in any other field. In every field however women are still getting paid less than men, fulfil less management positions and have to fight several barriers - and this is something which needs to be talked about and addressed.

 

 

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