Infrastructure has become a hot topic in the media and political spheres over the last year, as Government has started to recognise its role in kick starting the economy. However we rarely see programmes on mainstream TV channels focussing specifically on infrastructure and the civil engineers who design, build and maintain it.
The BBC team initially approached ICE for help on the ‘Building Britain’ series in autumn 2011. Following this BBC producers and researchers met with the Director General, policy and media teams. They learned about key infrastructure projects, current issues regarding funding and delivery and input on the areas the programme should focus on. ICE also put the BBC in touch with many ICE members and key contacts in the industry, some of which have been interviewed.
Sunday's episode presented by Evan Davies looked at the scale of the engineering challenge Britain faces and how these challenges can be overcome. Evan visited the vast Crossrail boring machines burrowing their way under London's streets and took in views from the top of the Forth Road Bridge.
In part 2 at 8pm on Sunday 14 October, Evan will explore whether we are on the verge of a new golden age of infrastructure. From the Olympic Park to High Speed 1, he will look at how we have learnt from our mistakes to become a nation which is once again rediscovering its skill for epic engineering.
For further information on the series see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01nd243.