Three BAM projects collected awards at New Civil Engineer’s Bridges Awards in London last week.
Herring Bridge, which BAM Farrans JV constructed for Norfolk County Council, won Road Bridge of the Year. This double bascule bridge, Great Yarmouth’s Third
River Crossing, is set to ease congestion and support regeneration in the town.
The judges commented: ‘Enhancing community wellbeing and resilience while blending seamlessly with the landscape and incorporating innovative construction methods was commendable.’
Herring Bridge, Great Yarmouth
New Civil Engineer editor, Gavin Pearson, said: ‘Bridges have epitomised civil engineering for centuries and these awards recognise the best of the best as the industry continues to enhance its social, environmental and economic impact. From incredible work in maintaining historic bridges, right through to innovative new bridge concepts, our judges were impressed with the remarkable calibre and range of entries across the award categories, with the winners providing a terrific benchmark of best practice.’
BAM and Network Rail’s King Edward Bridge project in Newcastle won Bridge Management Project of the Year. The King Edward Bridge is a remarkable grade II listed railway bridge that spans the River Tyne, between Newcastle and Gateshead and is described as ‘Britain’s last great railway bridge’.
BAM was appointed by Network Rail to inspect, assess, and create a design to preserve this important structure for the future. Innovative digital technologies were used to inspect the huge historic structure safely and provide an accurate plan for repair and strengthening works.
The judges commented: ‘The use of new technology to minimise the impact of works to the operational use of the Grade II listed bridge for the client… [was]… outstanding, which also gives a greater understanding of the asset for future inspections and maintenance works.’
King Edward Bridge, Newcastle
Winner of the award for Innovation in Climate Resilience was BAM Mott MacDonald JV’s Apperley Lane Bridge strengthening scheme, for Leeds City Council. This Grade II listed road crossing over the river Aire was strengthened as part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme to protect more than 1,500 homes and businesses in Leeds.
The judges commented that they were: “…particularly impressed that the broader considerations for various extreme flood events…were taken into account, without the need for a new bridge, honouring the heritage of this Grade II listed structure, that will now safeguard the community around the River Aire.”
Appleby Bridge, Bradford