The Challenges and Opportunities for Mega-Infrastructure Projects and Archaeology

Document type: Journal Publication
Author: Jay Carver BA (Hons) MIFA
Publication Date: 09/10/2013

  • Abstract

    This paper focuses on Crossrail as its case study, whilst referencing other projects in the recent experience of the author. It endeavours to put forward some fundamental, some practical and some more complex approaches to managing archaeological risk and maximising benefits from archaeological research and preservation in the context of a large infrastructure project. Increasingly, the lessons learnt from major infrastructure projects across the world and the resulting changes to practice are being adopted within the infrastructure planning and development sector.

    The paper was part of the journals’ Forum series. The Forum provides an arena to stimulate debate or deeper reflection on key issues of our discipline. The contributors are normally established professionals who review crucial aspects of archaeological theory, practice and ethics, often presenting opposing views on controversial matters. 10 responses to this paper can be found on the journal website. Together the resulting papers accumulate a picture of how archaeology and mega-projects can progress within a mutually beneficial arena where knowledge and study of the past helps create new sustainable development, and where professional archaeologists are able to take an equal place at the negotiating table in order to achieve balanced outcomes for the historic environment as a whole.

    This paper was published in ‘Papers of the Institute of Archaeology’ and can be accessed here.

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  • Authors
    Photo of Jay Carver

    Jay Carver BA (Hons) MIFA - Crossrail Ltd

    Lead Archaeologist, Crossrail

    Jay was appointed by Crossrail to the technical directorate to author and develop the standards and procedures, procurement model, development of scope and specification for the archaeology framework contracts, tender evaluation of technical submissions, and oversee design consultant deliverables for the Crossrail Archaeology programme in 2006. He joined the Crossrail delivery team in 2010 to oversee completion of the detailed scope and programme design by Crossrail’s design consultant framework, liaise with all projects across the programme to ensure archaeology and non-listed built heritage works were successfully integrated into project programmes.

    Between 2010 and 2016 he has overseen  the successful delivery  of all archaeology survey and mitigation works during construction of Crossrail.  He acted as Crossrail lead spokesperson for archaeology stakeholder, community relations and media events during the course of the programme.

    Jay’s previous infrastructure experience includes project lead archaeologist for numerous major highway schemes (including the 28Km A46 Newark to Widmerpool dual carriageway in Nottinghamshire) and the London DLR City Airport extension, and as Senior Archaeologist for the High Speed 1 Channel Tunnel Rail Link project between Folkestone and London St Pancras.

    Jay has delivered numerous conference papers and lectures on the archaeology of the Crossrail project, some of which can be found in the legacy section, and he is author of the Historic Environment and archaeology sections in the CEEQUAL manual, and CIRIA Environmental good practice on site guide (4th Edition), and Cultural Heritage sections in the Highways England DMRB (various, including Vol. 10 Design Guidance). He is co-author of the CIRIA best practice guidance Archaeology and Development (2008).

    https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jay-carver-75091327