Rail bridge project of the year

This award seeks to recognise excellence in new build or major refurbishment rail bridge projects in the UK, over the last year. 

Aecom
Yarm Viaduct Stabilisation & Repairs

The size and location of the existing structure posed significant physical, operational and social challenges but the scheme was successfully delivered through an exceptional collaborative team environment to ensure that the operational railway was unaffected, the refurbishment was sympathetic to the structures listed status and disruptions to nearby residents and properties was minimised. The project team has developed and adopted innovative design and construction technologies to provide preventative and reactive remedial works which will future proof and safeguard the historic Victorian structure and railway for years to come.

Align JV
Colne Valley Viaduct

Hailed by the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust as a “tour de force, a project of such scale and ambition,” The Colne Valley Viaduct (CVV), part of HS2, is a £500m engineering marvel which is the UK’s longest railway bridge. Construction involved 1000 pre-cast segments over water and highways in an environmentally sensitive area. Project achievements:  Casting viaduct segments completed 3 months early  Viaduct superstructure delivered 4 weeks early  100% programme acceptance over 58 months  Client's net zero 2030 target exceeded with -51.8% carbon reduction The architecture compliments Colne Valley's landscape with elegant spans and piers.

Balfour Beatty VINCI working in Partnership with HS2 as an Integrated Project Team with Mott MacDonald, Systra Design JV
HS2 Delta Junction- M42/M6 Motorway Link Viaducts and River Cole Viaducts

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.

Tony Gee and Partners, Alun Griffiths & Network Rail
Barmouth Viaduct

The Grade II* listed Barmouth Viaduct is a crucial historical landmark which has a strong impact for local residents and tourists over 150 years. The refurbishment for the viaduct, completed by Griffiths, Tony Gee and Partners and Network Rail, has allowed for the modernisation of the structure through innovative design solutions without altering the overall appearance. On-site and technical challenges brought forth innovative solutions to ensure successful project delivery. The method-led design ensured the project was delivered safely, efficiently and to programme achieving praise from the local community and demonstrates what engineers can achieve and inspire the next generation.

Tony Gee and Partners, Bam Nutall & Network Rail
Grand Surrey Canal Bridge

The Grand Surrey Canal Bridge brings the railway line back to full capacity while creating an attractive new sense of place within a new housing development. Tony Gee’s design was technically innovative within a challenging context. Working as an integral part of BAM Nuttall’s and Network Rail's team, we delivered an excellent bridge that could be built to programme. The very nature of the project required a low-cost, maintainable, low carbon solution to provide a bridge for the next 120 years to succeed. The project used off-site construction, low carbon materials, a no waste solution and retention of existing fabric.

Whitfield Consulting Services
Hackney Overbridge

Whitfield Consulting Services Hackney Overbridge "Whitfield Consulting Services delivered a design solution for a critical 154-year-old bridge that far exceeded our brief, always mindful of its vital importance to thousands of people travelling daily by rail and road. As part of NR’s Control Period 6, the urgent restoration ensured its continued safety and reliability. By incorporating a filler beam deck with a fanned beam arrangement, WCS optimised material use and reduced the bridge’s carbon footprint. Advanced digital tools and a strong focus on community impact resulted in a cost-effective, durable, and aesthetically fitting structure, improving safety, resilience, and long-term value for UK rail infrastructure."