Three bridge renovation and modification projects by National Highways in the South West have been nominated for regional engineering awards.
The A38 Mowhay footbridge project in Plymouth has been shortlisted by the Institution of Civil Engineers for its 2022 South West Civil Engineering Awards in the sub-$8 million category, while the 18-month renovation of the two M5 Junction 11 bridges has been nominated in the over-$11 million category and both have been nominated for the People’s Choice award.
The £2.89 million project to upgrade the Mowhay footbridge was finished earlier this year by National Highways and the contractors South West Highways Ltd. This effectively connected the footbridge with a local cycle route around the city and made it simpler for people using wheelchairs and pushing strollers to cross the A38.
Work to adapt the bridge and ramps so they could connect with a newly finished footway/cycleway began in June of last year since the old bridge was not broad enough to handle both bikes and pedestrians securely.
A more manageable gradient, new ramps, stairs, fences, and guard rails, new lighting, and a new surface water drainage system are all part of the project in addition to the larger deck.
More recreational options in Plymouth will become available thanks to improved connectivity between Honicknowle, Weston Mill, and St. Budeaux, and commuters may now actively pick an alternative environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
A significant project for National Highways and MJ Church, the restoration of the M5 bridges supporting the junction 11 Golden Valley Gyratory entailed intricate repairs and substantial excavations to the two main supporting bridges between Gloucester and Cheltenham.
Several walls had to be demolished and rebuilt, bridge decks had to have concrete repairs made, bearings had to be replaced, parapet beams and safety fencing had to be taken down and rebuilt, and the gyratory roadway and walkway had to be waterproofed and completely resurfaced.
Additionally, the gyratory was completely shut down for safety throughout the 18-month work schedule, but traffic could still access and exit the M5 via the slip roads.
Interim Regional Director for National Highways, Mark Fox, stated:
“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.
For information on all National Highways’ works in the South West people can visit our website.
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