Bridge contractor of the year

This award seeks to recognise the best contractors – main contractors or specialists - involved in delivering the construction element of new build bridge projects or who carry out major refurbishment schemes on bridges.!

Balfour Beatty Vinci JV

Construction of Aston Church Road Overbridge demonstrates completion of a bridge overcoming a variety of constraints. The main deck install occurring during a 42hr blockade, involving multiple members of the supply chain. Using SPMTs for bridge construction is not uncommon, but driving above existing Network Rail points equipment increased the complexity of the operation. Combine this with the innovative use of vacuum excavation in a possession environment, demonstrates the ability of BBV to deliver major bridge construction using new techniques, with decisions focussed around the stakeholder, ensuring the railway was returned to Network Rail early, with services recommencing on time.

Balfour Beatty Vinci working in Partnership with HS2 as an Integrated Project Team with Mott MacDonald & Systra Design JV

The M42/M6 and River Cole Composite viaducts have set a new benchmark for engineering practices through the global coordination and collaboration of diverse teams. These teams included experts in environmental and bridge design, steel contractor design, methods engineering, and bearing supply. The use of innovative techniques during site installation focused on prefabrication, which reduced construction time and facilitated the management of complex interfaces with third parties. This approach enhanced the quality and durability of the structures, delivering economies of scale and value in terms of reduced carbon emissions, improved safety, and increased customer satisfaction.

Balvac

Balvac has been an innovator in the specialist repair and maintenance industry for decades. Our focus on civil infrastructure repair and more specifically in bridge inspection, repair, strengthening and maintenance has allowed us to develop a complete end to end professional service for our customers (Detect, Diagnose, Develop, Deliver). We unravel the complexities of bridge repair, protection and maintenance challenges through early engagement and scheme development, offering our customers innovative solutions to safely and sustainably extend the life of their assets.

Expanded

Expanded lead the way in bridge construction. Our capabilities cover a variety of construction methods including traditional flexible abutment bridges and full precast modular builds. Our modular builds/digital bridges include multiple benefits: Commercial savings Reduction in H&S risk exposure to the workforce Improved quality control, minimising defects Reduced traffic management (TM) requirements Reduced Temporary works interfaces Minimal down time due to weather risk. Whilst we continue to offer a variety of options we remain committed to innovation in construction and our digital bridges are a solution that can transform infrastructure builds by increasing speed and agility, in a lower-carbon way.

Farrans Construction

In 2024 Farrans delivered three moving bridges and were the only contractor to have delivered three bridges of this size, scale and complexity in the UK this year. These included the world’s largest rolling bascule bridge in Suffolk and one of Europe’s longest opening pedestrian crossings in Glasgow. Two of the bridges, Gull Wing and Govan, even opened on the same day in September 2024. By focusing on the key principles of innovation, collaboration, supply chain relationships, community engagement and sustainability, Farrans has successfully constructed three world-class infrastructure projects which are delivering significant, tangible benefits for their regions.

Spencer Bridge Engineering

In just two years, Spencer Bridge Engineering has proven its ability to deliver high-quality bridge construction and refurbishment projects under challenging conditions. Their innovative solutions, dedication to safety and active involvement in local communities make them an outstanding contender for the 2025 Bridge Contractor of the Year award. The company’s track record of excellence, from heritage bridge restorations to community-focused initiatives, clearly demonstrates why Spencer Bridge Engineering is highly deserving of this prestigious recognition. In summary, SBE’s work across rail, highways and bridges makes them an integral part of the country’s travel infrastructure and bringing communities together. 

VolkerLaser

VolkerLaser is the specialist contractor of choice for bridge projects, with extensive experience in major refurbishments, complex structural rehabilitation, new build projects, and innovative access solutions. Our expert team has successfully delivered works to some of the country’s most iconic structures, regenerating areas for communities, as well as improving transport links and we continually demonstrate our commitment to leaving a positive legacy beyond the work we do as part of our infrastructure projects. Our capability in providing innovation means we often save clients time and money, making our bridge offering efficient and cost-effective, as well as high-quality and industry leading.