Sector - Transport & Infrastructure

ICE shortlists National Highways’ bridge schemes for awards

21 Jul 22

The scale of the excavation work during the M5 bridges refurbishment scheme

The Institution of Civil Engineers has shortlisted three National Highways bridge projects for the South-West Civil Engineering awards.

The projects to modify and refurbish the three bridges have been shortlisted for this prestigious award amongst stiff competition.

The projects shortlisted include the A38 Mowhay footbridge scheme Plymouth in the Sub £8M category, and two bridges on the M5 Junction 11 in the over £11M category in its 2022 South West Civil Engineering Awards.

Both projects have also been nominated for the People’s Choice award.

National Highways and contractors South West Highways Ltd completed the £2.89M project to upgrade the Mowhay footbridge earlier this year. The project sought to join the footbridge with a local cycle route around the city, whilst also making it easier for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs to cross the A38.

The original bridge was not wide enough to safely accommodate both cyclists and walkers, so the bridge and ramps were modified to enable it to link up with the recently completed footway/cycleway.

As well as the wider deck, the upgrade includes a more manageable gradient, new ramps, steps, fencing and guard rails, new lighting and a new surface water drainage system.

The refurbishment scheme of the M5 bridges supporting the junction 11 Golden Valley Gyratory was a major undertaking for National Highways and MJ Church and involved complex repairs and deep excavations to the two main supporting bridges between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

The work included the removal and reconstruction of a number of walls, concrete repairs to the bridge decks, replacement of bridge bearings, removal and reconstruction of parapet beams and safety fencing, and waterproofing and entire resurfacing of the gyratory carriageway and footpath.

Mark Fox, National Highways’ Interim Regional Director, said: “We’re very proud of our work here in the South West and it’s pleasing to be recognised by the Institute by being shortlisted in this year’s awards.

“The A38 Mowhay bridge widening scheme will enhance the lives of communities using this bridge over the A38. We’re committed to improving safety across our road network, and the new and improved bridge will make it much easier and safer for a variety of users, including cyclists, travelling to and from the centre of Plymouth.”

“The M5 Junction 11 bridges scheme was a truly complex operation and despite Covid restrictions earlier in the project, and some challenging weather conditions over the last 18 months, the scheme has been managed fantastically start to finish by both ourselves and our supply chain who ensured we have finished on schedule.

The awards will take place in Bristol on 15 September and voting for the People’s Choice award closes on 29 July. Find out more information on the awards.