Design, Engineering & Construction Project of the Year
A submission in this category should demonstrate:
Inclusive and sustainable design.
Comprehensive stakeholder and/or community engagement.
Technical innovation.
Demonstrable improvements to the operation of the infrastructure/ network.
Being completed within cost and budget.
Sustainable materials and construction methods.
Previous Winners:
2023: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority: Class 777 Fleet Replacement
2019: Highways England – M1 Junction 19 improvement scheme
2018: FCBC and Transport Scotland’s Employers Delivery Team, Queensferry Crossing
2017: Transport for Greater Manchester, Second City Crossing
2016: Mace and Atkins- Birmingham New Street Station
Stephen George + Partners LLP: Halifax Bus Station Redevelopment
An extensive redevelopment project at Halifax Bus Station (HBS) has been successfully completed, marking a significant modernization of the facility while maintaining operational functionality. Originally constructed in the 1980s, the project was initiated by West Yorkshire Combined Authority in 2019, with funding provided by the Transforming Cities Fund. The architectural practice Stephen George + Partners (SGP) collaborated with AECOM for the redesign.
The innovative ‘Y’-shaped design features a double-sided enclosed concourse equipped with drive-in/reverse-out bus stands and central passenger facilities. The redevelopment also integrated the historic Sion Chapel as a new entrance, preserving the site’s cultural significance. Given the site’s steep hillside and the presence of three Grade II listed buildings - Sion Chapel, Sion School, and the Sunday School Façade - the design employed materials that complement these structures while incorporating large glazed areas to enhance visibility and natural light.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project, which included the installation of a green roof to promote biodiversity and reduce the carbon footprint. The design also features ducting for future electric vehicle charging. An embodied carbon assessment indicated substantial reductions in carbon emissions through the use of green roofs, heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels.
Stakeholder consultations facilitated unanimous planning approval, allowing Wilmott Dixon Construction to manage the phased construction effectively. The project encountered challenges such as undiscovered remains and the need to adapt to larger bus fleets, ultimately concluding with completion in April 2024.
In a notable project demonstrating effective community engagement, Transport Scotland and Network Rail undertook the sensitive upgrade of a historic railway asset in a conservation area. The initiative focused on replacing a Victorian wrought iron footbridge, originally installed in 1877, with a modern structure. This upgrade was necessitated due to the original bridge’s insufficient height for the installation of wires and failure to meet required safety clearances for electrification. Additionally, concerns arose regarding potential impacts from construction activities on surrounding historic properties designed by esteemed architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, known for their shallow foundations.
To address community apprehensions, Network Rail conducted pre- and post-condition surveys, providing photographic documentation to reassure residents. In the summer of 2021, prior to construction, approximately 5,000 local residents and businesses were invited to select their preferred design from three options. The bespoke curve design, inspired by the original footbridge and reflecting the area's heritage, garnered 85% support.
The construction commenced in March 2023, with the new single-span bridge successfully installed by summer 2023. An opening ceremony was held, involving local residents and stakeholders, with one resident invited to cut the ribbon, symbolizing the community's involvement in the project.
While the old bridge was rehomed with Caledonian Railway, a significant limitation of the new footbridge is its accessibility, as entry and exit are facilitated by steps at both ends, which restricts use for some individuals.
Amey: Transforming the Core Valley Lines – The Craidd Alliance (Transport for Wales, Amey Infrastructure Wales, Alun Griffiths Ltd., Balfour Beatty and Siemens)
The Craidd Alliance, a collaborative partnership comprising Transport for Wales, Amey Infrastructure Wales, Alun Griffiths, Balfour Beatty, and Siemens, has been established to oversee the £1 billion Core Valley Lines project. This ambitious initiative aims to transform rail services in the South Wales Valleys, contributing to job creation and enhanced economic security for local communities as part of the broader South Wales Metro scheme.
The project encompasses the electrification of 170 kilometers of track, the upgrading of all stations and signaling systems, and the construction of new accessible stations. Service frequency is set to increase from one train per hour to four, alongside the introduction of electric trains. To ensure effective collaboration, the alliance adopted a comprehensive approach to ISO 44001, which facilitated the integration of multiple work packages while adhering to best practices and maximizing budget efficiency.
Significant upgrades have been implemented on the century-old Treherbert line, including the replacement of a traditional token exchange system with modern signaling technology. Additionally, a £100 million maintenance depot has been constructed to support 26 new tram-trains and accommodate over 400 staff. By 2023, work valued at £300 million was completed, featuring the commissioning of new stations and an Integrated Control Centre.
Through value engineering efforts, the estimated construction cost was reduced from £920 million to £738 million, resulting in savings of £182 million. The project’s innovative “discontinuous electrification” solution has also been recognized for its efficiency. By 2030, the Metro is projected to contribute £270 million annually to the regional economy, supporting the creation of over 7,000 jobs and enhancing the resilience of local communities. The Pathway to Work programme has already provided training opportunities for thirteen participants, including those with experience in the criminal justice system.
Stadler Rail Service UK: New Gosforth Depot, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
The newly completed Gosforth depot, covering 4.8 hectares just outside Newcastle-on-Tyne city centre, officially opened in February 2024. This £70 million facility is an integral component of the £362 million Tyne & Wear Metro fleet replacement project. The construction process involved the progressive demolition of the existing 100-year-old depot, which was carefully managed to ensure that maintenance of the current fleet could continue uninterrupted on-site.
Designed to accommodate 46 new Stadler trains, the depot will serve Nexus, the public transport executive responsible for the Metro. These new trains are scheduled to enter service later this year. Construction, carried out by VolkerFitzpatrick, commenced in 2021 and has been structured to enhance the efficiency of train maintenance in Newcastle. The new maintenance building has been specifically designed for the Stadler fleet and features no overhead power lines, thereby creating a safer working environment. A depot protection system has also been implemented to provide comprehensive control over train movements.
The project benefitted from local engagement, with over 90% of suppliers based in the UK, many from the North-East region. Throughout the construction, only four minor accidents were reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). The project was completed on time and within 5% of its budget, despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and geopolitical tensions. Effective collaboration and meticulous planning were essential to overcoming these obstacles, establishing the depot as a potential blueprint for future projects.
Transport for Greater Manchester: Stockport Interchange
The newly inaugurated Stockport transport interchange, which opened in March 2024, stands as a prominent example of a modern transport hub prioritising active travel and connectivity. This state-of-the-art facility enhances the town’s status as one of the best-connected locations in North West England. The £140 million project integrates transport improvements with residential development and public green space, demonstrating an innovative approach to urban regeneration.
Completed on budget and on schedule by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in collaboration with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the construction was managed by main contractor Willmott Dixon and development partner CityRise. The interchange is set to be served by Bee Network buses starting January 2025 and has been designed to accommodate future integration with the Metrolink system.
To address the elevation differences between the West Coast main line railway station, the interchange, and the town centre, a 38-meter bridge has been constructed for direct access to the rail station. Additionally, a spiral ramp leads from the park over the River Mersey to Stockport town centre and the Trans-Pennine Trail. A 0.8-hectare park situated on the interchange roof enhances green space in the area.
The new facility features 18 bus stands, allowing for 164 departures per hour, and includes amenities such as a covered concourse, seating areas, real-time information screens, and fully accessible facilities. Design optimisations have significantly reduced concrete use and eliminated embodied carbon equivalent to 25 years of operational energy consumption.
Network Rail & AtkinsRéalis: Feltham to Wokingham resignalling programme
An extensive re-signalling project spanning 80 miles between Feltham and Wokingham on the South West Railway network has been completed, following a design and build programme initiated by Network Rail in 2019. Commissioned to AtkinsRéalis, this £185 million project aimed to enhance reliability by 25% while upgrading the route to a modern digital signalling system.
The project implemented the Advanced Signalling Method and involved the renewal of all signalling infrastructure, which included 21 interlockings, 16 level crossings, and 275 signals. Additionally, Feltham and Wokingham signal boxes were decommissioned, with control transferred to the newly established Wessex rail operating centre. This initiative marks the longest and most comprehensive re-signalling effort undertaken in decades.
The successful execution of the project required effective collaboration among multidisciplinary partners and integrated planning. To avoid prolonged railway closures, a six-phase, five-year programme was developed, incorporating a series of possessions to minimise disruption while maintaining service operations. This approach included multiple weekends designated for pre-construction and testing activities, culminating in a significant nine-day blockade.
The project ultimately focused on renewing life-expired assets with digital signalling technology, providing a more reliable and safer service while ensuring minimal disruption to users. However, specific details regarding the improvements in performance as a result of these enhancements have not yet been disclosed.
Transport for West Midlands: University Railway Station
The University station, originally constructed in 1978, was designed to accommodate 500,000 passenger journeys annually. However, between 2018 and 2019, the station experienced a surge in usage, with nearly 4 million passengers, a number projected to reach 7 million by 2069. The redevelopment of the station is a key component of the West Midlands Rail Programme, led by Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Rail Executive, involving collaboration among 13 distinct organisations.
The former overcrowded station has been transformed into a fully accessible, world-class facility capable of handling up to 7.2 million passengers. This modernisation includes two state-of-the-art station buildings, a spacious public area, direct access to the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as well as new entrances and wider platforms featuring new canopies.
Funding for the project was secured through extensive collaboration with partners, demonstrating the benefits to the wider community. Key contributors included the University of Birmingham, University Hospital Birmingham, the local enterprise partnership, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Trains, and the Department for Transport.
Notably, one of the station buildings was constructed on an "island" situated between the railway line and an adjacent canal, employing a modular construction method that involved off-site manufacturing of components, which were then craned into place. Construction challenges included the installation of a cofferdam for canal works and the scheduling of overnight railway possessions to facilitate the installation of two footbridges. The project was completed on schedule in time for the Commonwealth Games.
London Gatwick Airport: redevelopment of London Gatwick's railway station
London Gatwick Airport, the UK's second-largest airport, facilitated nearly 41 million passengers across 60 airlines in 2023. In 2019, approximately 40% of Gatwick’s 46 million annual passengers utilised the railway station, which was not originally designed to accommodate such high volumes. This led to overcrowding and hindered passenger flow, particularly for those with luggage, children, or accessibility needs. Transport Focus customer surveys ranked the station as the second worst in the country.
In response to these challenges, a £249 million public-private partnership was established, involving the Government, Network Rail, London Gatwick, and Coast to Capital. The redevelopment project commenced construction in 2020 and was completed in November 2023. Key improvements included the addition of a new concourse that doubled the passenger space, new airport entrances, and a fully refurbished existing concourse. The upgrades also featured wider gate lines, an open-plan ticket area with an additional 500m² of space, five high-capacity lifts ensuring step-free access, eight escalators, and four new stairways.
In the first five months of operation, reports indicated fewer instances of overcrowding, with passenger dwell time on Platform 6 - previously the most congested - halving compared to pre-COVID volumes. Additionally, there was a 20% improvement in overall on-time performance for train services, and a marked increase in passenger satisfaction, with 82% of survey respondents acknowledging enhancements to the station. The distance between Platform 7 and the Passenger Terminal Interchange (PTI) was also reduced by 600%, enhancing connectivity.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - Headbolt Lane Station
The new Headbolt Lane station, officially opened in October 2023, facilitates the extension of services on the existing Kirkby line, positively impacting the surrounding areas of Northwood and Tower Hill. The station features three platforms, with two dedicated to services to Liverpool and one serving Wigan, Manchester, and Blackburn. Seven new independently powered electric multiple unit (IPEMU) variants of the Class 777 trains have been procured for the station, equipped with batteries to operate beyond Merseyrail’s third rail network. Currently, six of these trains are operational, enabling an increase in services to three per hour.
The station is equipped with two bus stops, 300 parking spaces - including 15 designated for blue badge holders - and 100 secure cycle parking spaces. Funding for the project has enabled Knowsley, the local council, to establish cycle lanes that connect to the Kirkby network. Climate resilience measures include large retention tanks in the car parks to manage water runoff and mitigate flood risks. The site is also collaborating with a major supplier of electric vehicle charging equipment to provide EV charging facilities.
Extensive landscaping is a key feature of the development, incorporating 850 meters of hedges, 600 trees, and a variety of shrubs, bulb clusters, and wildflowers around the perimeter. Bus shelters at the station include “living roofs” to enhance local biodiversity. Additional funding has supported the creation of a new public park in Tower Hill. The Class 777 trains, noted as the UK’s first battery-powered trains, are designed with separate battery packs at both the front and rear, ensuring continued operation even if one pack fails. This technology aims to facilitate future expansion of the Merseyrail network, contributing to Liverpool City Region’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Recent passenger surveys indicated that 86% rated the station as "very good," while 14% rated it as "good," with no negative feedback reported.
National Highways: A452/M42 Emergency Bridge Demolition (moved from Collaboration/Alliance)
In February 2024, a significant emergency bridge demolition project was executed on the A452/M42, carried out over one weekend. This initiative was necessitated by the repeated strikes of the overbridge structure by two over-height heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), prompting extensive investigations and the conclusion that a controlled demolition was the most efficient and cost-effective solution. The decision aimed to mitigate further damage and alleviate ongoing lane closures that had disrupted traffic flow.
Typically, a demolition of this scale requires at least 18 months of preparation. However, leveraging the expertise of the same specialist contractor and teams that had successfully completed two previous bridge demolitions allowed for the project to be accomplished in just five weeks. The collaborative effort involved several key organizations, including National Highways, HS2, Balfour Beatty VINCI, HW Martin, ARMAC, and McCanns.
Prior to the demolition, supporting utilities, such as an overhead gantry, lighting columns, CCTV cameras, and roadside signal boxes, were diverted and removed to ensure safety. Full overnight closures were implemented each weekday night leading up to the demolition weekend to facilitate these preparatory works and minimize disruption.
Communication regarding the project was effectively managed through media channels and a combined communications toolkit shared with stakeholders, raising awareness of the preparatory activities and weekend closure. Notably, customer complaints were minimal compared to similar weekend closures, resulting in the M42 reopening to traffic earlier than anticipated without further disruption.
