8th June 2005

Upton Viaduct has scooped a double whammy at the Institution of Civil Engineers West Midlands Awards.

The £3.5 million-project won the overall prize at Millennium Point in Birmingham, after picking up the Construction Award on Wednesday 8th June. Birmingham Post editor Fiona Alexander presented the honour to Worcestershire County Council in front of 200 guests at Thinktank.

Judges from the institute were impressed with the ingenious and practical solution of arranging the diversion route through the caravan park to reduce congestion during construction.

Mike Mann, chair of the judging panel, said: "The project was an outstanding example of a neat solution to a very real problem. We were impressed with all aspects of the project, including the design and well-planned construction phase that allowed such a speedy delivery. All of the team can be rightly proud of their efforts and I'm sure the road users were delighted too."

Paul Jameson, Worcestershire County Council's Head of Highways, said: "We're delighted to have won the award. It's a great tribute to the excellent team of all our partners who have worked so hard and so effectively."

Cllr John Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, added: "This is great news. All the praise and thanks that staff involved in the project receive is more than justified."

The viaduct project was completed with partners Halcrow Group, Norwest Holst, Laser Civil Engineering and Raynesway Construction Southern.