IN BUSINESS
THE Mersey Gateway Project has been shortlisted for awards at two ceremonies. The £1.86bn infrastructure programme has been nominated at this year’s Institution Of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West Civil Engineering Awards and the RICS Awards.
The project is up for recognition in two categories at both.
The ICE North West Awards ceremony recognises excellence and imaginative concepts in civil engineering practice across the North West Region and the RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.
The project was recognised in both awards for its outstanding achievements in infrastructure and providing positive impacts on the borough.
Paul Fenwick is construction director and acting chief executive of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board.
He said: “We’re immensely proud of the project, which opened to traffic on time and at budget in October 2017 and we’re thrilled that it has been recognised by both ICE North West and the RICS for its achievements.
“Those who were plagued with severe congestion on the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge and around the Halton area are now enjoying quicker, easier and more reliable travel and the world class civil engineers among many others working on the project have made this happen though innovative and ground breaking construction techniques.
“A bridge to prosperity and a catalyst for change across the region, the project during its construction phases and beyond has been committed to helping improve and support the local communities and we are delighted that this dedication is being recognised in this way.”
The six-lane tolled crossing opened between Runcorn and Widnes last year.
The ageing Silver Jubilee Bridge is currently closed to road traffic as it undergoes renovation work.
General manager of bridge builder Merseylink, Hugh O’Connor, said: “This is and has been the project of a lifetime for many of us, with a total of some five million hours worked over the last three-and-a-half years; an excellent safety record, delivered on time and to the highest quality standards.
“We take great pride in observing some 70,000 vehicles per day making use of this new part of the road network in the North West, safely and much quicker than before.
“A huge success, brought about by ● the amalgamation of expertise from the UK and around the world, which has made journeys much easier and has also brought a lot of benefits to the local communities and businesses, we are delighted to have been involved in such a prestigious project.”
The ICE North West Civil Engineering Awards winners will be announced at a special ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Friday, March 9.
The RICS Award winners will be announced on Friday, April 27, at the Principal Hotel, Manchester.
ICE North West director Darrell Matthews said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to our civil engineering awards this year which will showcase and celebrate some of the key infrastructure that’s been created across the region.
“We have all watched the development of the Mersey Gateway, from its inception through to completion, and are delighted that it will be represented at our awards in this, ICE’s bicentennial year.”