A week of technical visits, industry insights and international collaboration saw transportation professionals from Hong Kong and the UK come together to explore some of the sector's most significant projects and shared challenges
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The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) was delighted to welcome the 2026 CIHT Hong Kong Study Tour delegation to London for a busy and insightful week of technical visits, professional engagement and knowledge sharing.
Bringing together transportation professionals from across Hong Kong and the UK, the study tour offered delegates a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from major infrastructure project managers, policy leaders, academics and industry practitioners. Throughout the week, participants explored how the UK transport sector is responding to some of today's most significant challenges, from infrastructure delivery and decarbonisation to accessibility, active travel and climate resilience.
But beyond the presentations, site visits and technical discussions, the week was also about building connections, sharing experiences and gaining fresh perspectives. From exploring some of London's most significant transport projects to meeting the people helping to shape the future of mobility, delegates experienced a packed programme that highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing the profession today.
Below, we look back on the week, capturing some of the key visits, conversations and insights from the delegation's time in the UK.
The study tour began at CIHT Headquarters in London, where delegates were welcomed by CIHT President, Kate Carpenter, and colleagues and introduced to the Institution's work supporting highways and transportation professionals across the UK and internationally. Discussions explored CIHT's current priorities, activities and support for members, while also providing an opportunity for participants to share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the profession in Hong Kong.
Delegates also learned more about the Bus Centre of Excellence, including presentations on bus stop safety and accessibility, highlighting the importance of creating public transport networks that are safe, inclusive and accessible for all users. The sessions generated lively discussion around best practice, passenger experience and the future of bus services.
The group later visited the Department for Transport, where they met Rupert Furness, Deputy Director for Future Roads Investment and Shareholding National Highways Sponsorship Directorate, and heard a presentation on RIS2 and the key components of the emerging RIS3 strategy.
They also met Martin Key, Head of Strategy at Active Travel England, to hear about a range of topics including road investment, road safety, future infrastructure priorities, innovation, and the role of active travel in supporting national objectives around health, sustainability and economic growth.
CIHT UK colleagues with Alan Yan, Chair of CIHT Hong Kong, Alex Ma, CIHT Hong Kong Study Tour Lead, Kate Carpenter, CIHT President and members of the CIHT Hong Kong delegation at CIHT Headquarters in London
The group hearing from Active Travel England on its role in supporting national objectives around health, sustainability and economic growth
A key theme throughout the week was seeing major projects and schemes first-hand.
A presentation from Mohammed Abu-Qulbain, Senior Associate, and David Eastland, Divisional Director at Mott MacDonald explored the story behind the Elizabeth line, giving delegates the opportunity to hear directly from experts involved in the Crossrail programme. The session provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the planning, engineering and delivery of one of Europe's largest and most ambitious transport infrastructure projects, from its early development through to operation.
Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the scale and complexity of delivering the Elizabeth line, including the challenges of integrating new infrastructure into London's existing transport network and creating stations and services capable of serving millions of passengers. They then got to experience the Elizabeth Line themselves, travelling from Farringdon to Woolwich and back.
Mohammed Abu-Qulbain and David Eastland, Mott MacDonald presenting on the Elizabeth Line
Chris Attwood, NRP, leading a walking tour of St Paul’s Gyratory
The programme also included a presentation on the St Paul's Gyratory Improvements and the Aldwych and Strand Transformation Project from Chris Attwood, Director of Traffic and Transportation at NRP, followed by various site visits. Matt Cerrone, Senior Contract Manager at FM Conway joined the delegates at Aldwych Strand to share his expertise on the project. From the presentations and site visits, delegates gained valuable insight into the planning, design and delivery of major public realm schemes, and the challenges of implementing ambitious improvements in busy urban environments, hearing first-hand from those involved in its delivery.
The sessions showcased how collaborative working and innovative street redesigns can improve safety, accessibility and placemaking, while creating more attractive, sustainable and better-connected urban spaces.
Members of the CIHT Hong Kong delegation with Chris Attwood, NRP and Matt Cerrone, FM Conway during the Aldwych and Strand site visit
Delegates also explored how cities are adapting to environmental challenges through a guided walking tour hosted by Tim Munday, Lead Environmental Resilience Officer at the City of London Corporation. Beginning in Aldgate Square and taking in locations including Guildhall, Blackfriars and Puddle Dock, the tour showcased a range of initiatives focused on cooling streets, urban greening and climate resilience. The Hong Kong team learned how green infrastructure and biodiversity enhancements are helping to create more sustainable and resilient urban environments in the heart of London, while responding to the growing impacts of climate change.
The group then travelled to University College London for a presentation from Professor Nick Tyler, a globally recognised expert in inclusive and people-centred transport design. Professor Tyler explored how transport systems can better reflect the needs and experiences of the communities they serve, encouraging delegates to consider accessibility, wellbeing and social inclusion as fundamental principles of transport planning.
The CIHT Hong Kong delegation during a walking tour exploring climate resilience initiatives across the City of London with Tim Munday
The CIHT Hong Kong delegation with Professor Nick Tyler at University College London, discussing inclusive and people-centred transport design
The study tour also provided opportunities to engage with some of the UK's largest infrastructure programmes.
A visit to the Lower Thames Crossing project offered delegates insight into the development of one of the country's most significant road and tunnel schemes. The group heard from Shaun Pidcock, Programme Director at National Highways, Keith Bowers, Tunnels and Systems Director, Neesha Pandya, Head of Low Carbon Delivery, Gary Hodge, Highways Lead, and Phil Stanier, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, who shared perspectives on programme delivery, tunnelling, systems integration, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with delivering complex, nationally significant infrastructure while balancing environmental, technical and community considerations.
Later in the week, the delegation visited the HS2 Old Oak Common construction site, where they learned about the delivery of a major transport hub at the heart of the UK's high-speed rail network. Discussions explored lessons learned from delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, including governance, digital innovation, stakeholder management, sustainability and construction delivery.
The CIHT Hong Kong delegation hearing from the Lower Thames Crossing team on programme delivery for one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects
CIHT Hong Kong delegation at Old Oak Common Station site where they were hosted by joint venture representatives from Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra working on behalf of HS2
Alongside the technical programme, the week provided valuable opportunities for networking and professional exchange. Michelle Wood, representing CIHT London, and Alan Yan, CIHT Hong Kong Chair, shared updates on the activities, events and member engagement programmes taking place across their respective regions, helping to identify opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Project-sharing sessions also brought together delegates and local professionals to discuss experiences from across the sector, highlighting common challenges and innovative approaches to transport and infrastructure delivery. These conversations reinforced the value of international knowledge exchange and showcased the strength of CIHT's global professional network.
Michelle Wood, CIHT London representative, presenting to the group
Alan Yan, CIHT Hong Kong Chair, presenting to CIHT London and Hong Kong representatives
As the study tour drew to a close, our Hong Kong delegates left with a broad range of technical insights, new professional relationships and a deeper understanding of how transport challenges are being addressed across the UK.
From discussions on transport policy and accessibility to visits to transformational rail, road and public realm projects, the week demonstrated the value of bringing professionals together to share knowledge and learn from different experiences.
CIHT extends its sincere thanks to all the organisations, speakers, hosts and volunteers who contributed to the programme, helping to make the 2026 CIHT Hong Kong Study Tour a memorable and valuable experience for everyone involved. We look forward to continuing to build on the connections, conversations and collaborations established throughout the week, further strengthening the relationship between CIHT UK and CIHT Hong Kong.
CIHT would also like to thank Alan Yan, Alex Ma and Christy Cheung for organising the tour together with representatives from CIHT London and Elsen Cheung for capturing the week in photos.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
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