Bridge management project of the year

This award seeks to recognise how the bridge is maintained through its whole life with a focus on maximising use and minimising closures.

Aecom
Tay Bridge Inspection for Assessment

The Tay Bridge is a remarkable 3km long, 124 span viaduct over the Firth of Tay. AECOM advised a targeted inspections approach, using 360-degree camera and UAV drone surveys to identify the critical 10% of spans for tactile inspection, to obtain data subsequently taken into Level 2 assessments. These techniques minimised disruption for the travelling public, reduced carbon emissions and drove cost efficiencies. Our effective delivery of the inspections and assessments schedule has enabled the client to continually review and develop their bridge management plan to preserve a Grade A-listed structure for the public to enjoy for years to come.

AtkinsRéalis
Neath River Bridge BMS

AtkinsRéalis’ holistic approach to implementing a Bridge Management Strategy for the Neath River Bridge and Briton Ferry Dock Viaduct on behalf of SWTRA and WG, has transformed digital asset management in Wales. Since 2017, AtkinsRéalis has continually introduced the latest technological and methodical innovations to a hugely supportive client in SWTRA/WG, recognising the significance of maintaining an aging, critical national infrastructure to ensure the safe and consistent movement of people and goods. With sustainability principles and whole-life cost at the heart of this strategy, AtkinsRéalis is proactively managing key risks, minimising disruption and ensuring public safety.

AtkinsRéalis, Milestone Infrastructure & Oxfordshire County Council Automated Level 1 Scour assessments

AtkinsRéalis, working in collaboration with Oxfordshire County Council and Milestone Infrastructure, automated key parameters of the Level 1 Scour assessment process outlined in DMRB document CS 469, using open-source GIS datasets. The key benefits of automating the process include minimising the requirement to attend site to obtain certain data, introducing a repeatable screening process into scour assessment and significantly reducing the time taken to assess the structure stock – which enables time to be better spent on developing mitigation measures for the key scour susceptible structures on the network. Automating the process also reduces network disruption and is holistically safer.

Canal & River Trust
South Oxford Canal, Lift Bridges

Punctuating the south Oxford Canal as it winds its way through the countryside, the timber lift-bridges are iconic symbols of the inland waterways. They make a defining contribution to the visual and architectural character of the Oxford Canal and have strong links back to the canal age. Historically introduced as an affordable solution to the need for accommodation bridges when the Oxford Canal Company faced acute financial constraints, these heritage assets are now the subject of an innovative programme of sensitive repairs and mechanical conversions, designed and implemented to modern standards to ensure safe operation for decades to come.

Project Centre
Refurbishing the historic Cookham Bridge

Cookham Bridge, a Grade II listed landmark built in 1867, connects Cookham and Bourne End. Facing structural issues like deteriorating steelwork, failing paint, and faulty bearings, the bridge was at risk of closure, which would cause major disruptions. Project Centre developed a remediation strategy, preserving the bridge’s historic features while addressing these concerns. Non-intrusive testing identified corrosion, leading to the replacement of trimmer beams and bearings, re-waterproofing, and repainting. Advanced materials like stainless steel bearings and galvanized coatings were used for durability. The project ensured minimal disruption with temporary jacking systems, maintaining both functionality and historic integrity for long-term sustainability.