Sheffield Inner Relief Road scoops ICE award

The 1.5km Sheffield Inner Relief Road creates new links and directs traffic away from the city centre. The scheme rose to the challenge of bringing heavy engineering into an inner-city site.

It included the construction of a dual carriageway through a busy area with heavy traffic, a 40m span railway bridge built within a listed structure, a 35m span river bridge, 15m high contiguous retaining walls, highquality public realm works, and the demolition of 43 buildings. The railway bridge was finished in the livery of the old railway company, and the 15m high retaining wall clad with stone and brick to create a “gateway” to reflect the area’s railway heritage.

The road itself was built to city-centre standards with high-quality paving and tree-lined boulevards. Alternatives to the car have been encouraged by bus corridors, dedicated lanes, shelters and bike stands. The scheme has delivered on many fronts, including safety, savings of some £3.2M, and minimal disruption to the public.

This project was a first class example of demonstrating teamwork between client, designer and contractor for the benefit of all

Judges’ comment

Judges’ comments:

This project was a first class example of demonstrating teamwork between client, designer and contractor for the benefit of all. A co-located team ensured a totally collaborative and innovative approach, and smooth communications with the community and affected stakeholders. Materials arising from the demolition works and excavations were recycled where possible throughout the new construction work to reduce environmental impact.

Client: Sheffield City Council
Designer: SheffieldCity Council
Contractor: Birse
Other: Arup

Highly Commended: Brigg Rail Route Upgrade

This impressive project saw the successful stabilisation of 1.3km of twin track rail embankments, up to 7m high across a flood plain over a peat bog and across organic soil up to 15m deep. The scheme also included major works to three 19th century bridges.

Recycled materials were used throughout the project as part of the fully sustainable approach. Teamwork was very evident

Judges’ comment

Judges’ comments:

“A very technically challenging problem was solved by an ingenious design to overcome the heavy loading from freight trains onto very weak ground beneath the rail track situated on an embankment. Recycled materials were used throughout the project as part of the fully sustainable approach. Again, team work between all parties was very evident, which greatly assisted the work to be completed on budget within a very tight timetable.”

Client: Network Rail
Contractor: Carillion Civil Engineering
Designer: Arup
Others: English, Welsh & Scottish Railway, Freightliner Heavy Haul, GB Rail Freight, Direct Rail Services, ABP, Network Rail

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