Awards

Tipton’s ‘Hanson’s Mild Ale’ Metro Bridge

The Heritage Award was given to Tony Gee in partnership with Midland Metro Alliance for their project Tipton’s ‘Hanson’s Mild Ale’ Metro Bridge.

The structure, which takes the metro link over Birmingham New Road in Tipton, features a familiar and locally iconic colour scheme. A specialist signwriter created the distinctive brand colours and lettering advertising Hanson's Mild Ale — similar to the original bridge.

The judges were impressed that this project met the needs of a modern tramway and maintained the signature design of the previous bridge. Although this wasn’t an original requirement, the teams took it upon themselves to keep the original design.

Highly Commended in the Heritage Category was Schoolhouse Bridge Restoration, Shropshire. Maccaferri, Montgomery Canal Reconstruction, Beaver Bridges, Macrete Ireland, Mea and Shropshire Council were praised by the judges for the tremendous work that took place to restore a bridge which was originally demolished in the late 60’s and marks another milestone in the continued efforts to close the ‘Shropshire Gap’ on the Montgomery Canal in Crickheath near Pant.

Impacts of Polymer and Bentonite slurries effects on bored piles

The Studies and Research award was presented to the University of Birmingham, Keller Group, KB International and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering for their research project Impacts of Polymer and Bentonite slurries effects on bored piles.

The judges praised the tests conducted in this research project, which were the first of their kind to utilise a large-scale laboratory setup under controlled conditions.

The findings will have an impact on pile design, by enabling the use of fewer and shorter polymer piles, resulting in savings on concrete and ultimately reducing CO2 emissions.

The University Railway Station Redevelopment

The University Railway Station Redevelopment in Birmingham project took home the Team achievement Award.

Project teams West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Trains, Network Rail, University of Birmingham, VolkerFitzpatrick, SLC Rail – AECOM Joint Venture, Mott MacDonald, Associated Architects and CrossCountry Trains were praised by the judges for the meticulous planning and collaboration that was required for this project.

All organisations came together for one approach to transform an existing asset for the local community.

First Avenue Flood Alleviation Scheme

The Sustainability Award, which was sponsored by Arcadis was presented to Arup, Environment Agency, Jackson Civil Engineering and Birmingham City Council for their project entry First Avenue Flood Alleviation Scheme in Birmingham.

The project has provided flood protection to over 70 properties in Birmingham. The judges praised the teams involved for their sustainable approach, which eliminated the use of 170 metres of concrete flood walls.

The final design included four weir removals, producing an earth embankment with a flower meadow delivering carbon reduction and excellent environmental benefits.

Schoolhouse Bridge Restoration

The Small Project Award (for projects with a value up to £2m) was awarded to Maccaferri, Montgomery Canal Reconstruction, Beaver Bridges, Macrete Ireland, Mea and Shropshire Council for their entry Schoolhouse Bridge Restoration in Shropshire.

The judges recognised the remarkable work done to restore this project. The innovative use of the Flexiarch system alongside terramesh reinforced soil embankments reflected a commitment to the cultural heritage of the area whilst also enhancing the local eco systems in a sustainable way.

M42-M6 Motorway Link East Viaduct Development

The Medium Project Award (for projects with a value between £2-10 million) was presented to SYSTRA, Balfour Beatty VINCI, Mott MacDonald, Victor Buyck Steel Construction, Weston Williamson + Partners, Arcadis, Hewson Consulting Engineers and HS2 for their entry M42-M6 Motorway Link East Viaduct Development.

The judges agreed that this project was deserving of the Medium Project Award due to extensive efforts from all parties involved who worked tirelessly on a complex design, which launched a successful viaduct.

The project Upton upon Severn: Transfer Pump Station submitted by AtkinsRéalis and GEDA Construction was also Highly Commended in the same category.

University Railway Station Redevelopment

The Large Project Award (for projects with a value over £10 million) was awarded to West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Trains, Network Rail, University of Birmingham, VolkerFitzpatrick, SLC Rail – AECOM Joint Venture, Mott MacDonald, Associated Architects and CrossCountry Trains for their project entry University Railway Station Redevelopment, Birmingham.

This project transformed the original asset for the local community in a sustainable way. Facing challenges, such as interfacing with a canal and live railway tracks, materials were manufactured on site allowing a speedy assembly minimising concrete wastage.

Taylor Woodrow, City of Wolverhampton Council, Amey Consulting and AECOM were Highly Commended for their entry Wolverhampton City Centre Public Realm Scheme. The judges were impressed with the stakeholder management throughout all stages of this project.

University Railway Station Redevelopment

The judges concluded that the University Railway Station Redevelopment in Birmingham project demonstrated the best of civil engineering collaboration.

Originally built in 1978, University Station was designed to accommodate 500,000 passengers a year; by 2019, 4 million passengers were passing through the station every year, making overcrowding a serious issue.

In delivering the new station, designed to accommodate over 7 million passengers a year, the project team had to overcome various challenges, including an interface with a canal and a Roman fort.

West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Trains, Network Rail, University of Birmingham, VolkerFitzpatrick, SLC Rail – AECOM Joint Venture, Mott MacDonald, Associated Architects and CrossCountry Trains were complimented for how all stakeholders were bought together from across the rail industry and established key values focused on collaboration and health and safety which all parties followed.

Bob Dunn Award

The Bob Dunn Award is given in memory of the late Bob Dunn who made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of civil engineering in the West Midlands.

This year, the accolade went to David Brown FICE.

David began studying Engineering Science in 1972 at Durham University, has been a member of the ICE since 1983, and they became a Fellow of the Institution in 2010.

He has devoted over three decades to ensuring the safety and preservation our canals and waterways. Joining the Canal & River Trust back when it was formerly known as British Waterways in 1983, he has been at the forefront of the introduction of the Trust’s asset management procedures.

David is also a member of the Panel for Historical Engineering Works and an active member of the ICE West Midlands Regional Committee.

Young Achiever of the Year Award

Chloe-Bess Lester, who works for Balfour Beatty Vinci, won the Young Achiever Award.

A temporary works coordinator who has managed complex schemes, mentored assistants and organised site visits, she set up a ‘Respect Campaign’ with the support of her manager - a three-year long roadmap to help educate staff on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Chloe has also been a representative of Black history month panels for education on ‘allies’, sits on the EDI steering group for Balfour Beatty VINCI, and locally represents as a Mental Health First Aider. She has also taken part in SOMAD (Stand Out, Make A Difference) days, volunteering at a local food bank demonstrating her commitment for others inside and outside of her work.

Hassan Shamia from Arup was Highly Commended by the judges. Hassan has been described as the social value champion for the Midlands Transport Team, who has helped over 250 engineers and consultants.

STEM Ambassador of the Year Award

Systra’s Gbenga Oludotun won STEM Ambassador of the Year for his commitment to promoting and educating young people about the sector. Gbenga has also engaged with local schools, by speaking with students and engaging with parents about how civil engineers can improve the quality of life within communities.

Technician Award

Luca Grail-Langston from Arup received the Technician Award.

Described as an excellent Technician in the Arup highways department, he was recognised for his exemplary work on the M1 J13-16 Smart Motorway Project, where he used his own initiative to upskill the project team.

Luca took it upon himself to host sessions to train members of the project team improving the projects resilience, as well as providing key lessons learnt on the process to drive efficiencies in the workflow.