Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been awarded four contracts under the Department for Transport's (DfT) Specialist Technical and Commercial Advice for Rail and Other Transport Modes (STARThree) Framework. The contracts, valued at £1.4 million, will see Costain and lead partner GHD provide specialist consultancy advice to the UK government for critical infrastructure projects in road, rail, and aviation. The work will include providing engineering and decarbonisation advice, reviewing stations and asset management in the southeast, and offering technical expertise on funding for major investments.

In addition, Costain is providing pro bono support to two proposals that aim to trial the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in National Highways projects in 2024. The proposals, supported by Connected Places Catapult, were part of a competition launched by National Highways to improve road users' experience of roadworks on England's motorways and A-roads. Costain will provide mentorship and leverage its extensive experience in complex delivery and customer service to support the trials, which are set to begin in January.

These developments highlight Costain's involvement in providing strategic advice to the Department for Transport and its commitment to innovation in roadwork projects through the use of AI technology.