Awards

Castleton M62 Underbridge Reconstruction

This project replaced a 56-year-old 42m-long rail bridge over the M62 with a new structure with a life expectancy of 120 years.

Referred to by Network Rail as “one of the most challenging projects” of year one of CP7, the project set new standards in civil engineering. The project team used innovative approaches to accelerated programme delivery, off site manufacturing, testing lifts, strategic road and rail closures, and in-situ concrete testing.

The judges commended the project for its focus on health and safety and stakeholder engagement. They also said the project focused on outcomes to improve delivery, which contributed to its overall success.

Project team: Network Rail, Murphy, PP O’Connor, Ayesa, Pod-Trak, Allelys, D Morgan, Ainscough, National Highways, Premier Traffic Management, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, Rochdale Borough Council, Oldham Council, Bury Council, Manchester Golf Club

Oldham Council – School Streets Initiative

This project aimed to reduce car dominance around schools and enable walking, cycling and wheeling to prioritise child safety, wellbeing and active travel.

By combining technology, community collaboration and evidence-based planning, Oldham’s School Street’s programme is driving a generational shift in travel behaviours, making school journeys safer, healthier and more sustainable. The project’s scalable approach exemplifies civil engineering’s power to create lasting, community-led change.

The judges said the solution was simple but effective, and noted the project is now a blueprint to use for future schools. The project team’s collaboration with stakeholders was also commended.

Project team: Oldham Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Arup, Tracsis, Waterman Aspen

Leven Viaduct Scour Protection Works

The Leven Viaduct project involved replacing sections of the concrete apron and repairing two damaged piers. Having experienced decades of continuous tidal action, Leven Viaduct’s masonry piers and concrete invert were significantly eroded. The metallic pier caissons suffered from corrosion, water ingress and spalling concrete, and the concrete apron was compromised.

The project overcame tidal erosion challenges through innovative, value-engineered solutions. Early sub-contractor involvement enabled the use of pre-cast concrete collars that were installed using bespoke pontoons. This approach reduced costs by £10m, accelerated delivery, and highlighted collaboration, efficiency and ingenuity in civil engineering.

The judges commended the project team for reducing overall costs and challenging the brief. They also said the project will provide learning benefits for similar projects in the future.

Project team: Network Rail, MHB, GPS MACS, Story Contracting, ScaffFloat, Bachy Soletanche, Proserve

Arrowe Park Hospital – A&E Upgrade

The upgrade of Arrowe Park Hospital’s Accident & Emergency was essential to better serve the local community and provide state-of-the-art facilities for urgent care.

The project allowed construction works to continue safely alongside the operational hospital. This meant disruptions in operations and transporting patients and supplies to other locations was avoided.

The structural frame was designed to be independent, to be built in multiple sections and to remain stable in partially constructed states, allowing the new facilities to be utilised as early as possible.

The judges commended the project’s strong focus on people and for its demolition in a live setting.

Project team: Wirral University Teaching Hospital, DAY Architectural Ltd, Sutcliffe, Tilbury Douglas

Francis Kwateng

Over the last year, Francis has chaired Equans’ employee-led network dedicated to Race Equality (RISE) to drive awareness and educate individuals across the business.

In his role as chair, Francis was involved in advising on Equans’ internal policies and processes to promote equity and inclusion. This led to the development of a new dress code policy that considers everyone.

Francis also worked with the DEI team to improve the workplace and make it a diverse environment. These efforts led to Equans being awarded a bronze status trail blazer award by Race Equality Matters, and achieve the status of ‘2025 top employer’.

In addition to his roles within Equans, Francis is a member of the ICE’s Ethics Committee, supporting his commitment to inclusion and fairness. He also supports the Cheshire Constabulary as chair of an independent advisory panel, reviewing ethical behaviour within the police force and helping to foster diversity and inclusion.

Jennie Harrison

Across 2024, Jennie Harrison spoke to around 1,200 young people at different events about STEM and civil engineering.

From a “workplace safari” where two local schools visited AECOM’s Manchester office, to speaking to 420 pupils in one morning about what civil engineers do and the wider array of STEM careers available, Jennie has spread her passion for STEM and civil engineering far and wide.

Jennie was STEM Team Leader at AECOM’s Manchester branch, assisting colleagues to participate in STEM outreach events. She had a team of helpers who assisted in coordinating, organising and hosting many events within local schools and within the office. She focused on developing sustainable relationships with schools, promoting opportunities and getting senior leaders in the office engaged. This initiative inspired Jennie’s colleagues to volunteer for activities for the first time, or to become STEM ambassadors.

Aman Khandelwal

Aman is a civil engineer driven by passion and innovation. He is transforming flood risk management through sustainable solutions and his research on socioeconomic impacts. He has been recognised with multiple awards, mentoring peers, championing equity, and helping to deliver impactful projects across the UK and Europe.

Aman was runner-up at the CIWEN Glyn Ellis Awards for his presentation of a socioeconomic flooding framework. As a result, he was invited to further develop and showcase his framework to a leading utility company.

He also leads CPD sessions for graduates and newcomers within his workplace, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Niamh Aldridge

Niamh is a proactive and dedicated civil engineering degree apprentice, committed to continuous learning and inspiring others through STEM. She embraces opportunities to innovate and contribute to a sustainable future, and strives to make a meaningful impact in engineering and society.

Niamh is challenging herself to enhance her technical skills by learning new coding tools and hydraulic software to strengthen her digital capabilities.

Outside of the water industry, Niamh volunteers as a STEM ambassador, attending career fairs and creating STEM lessons for after school clubs. She recently joined the Net Zero Superhero’s programme to encourage young people, especially women, into engineering opportunities.