Network Rail and Story Contracting have won a major Scottish Civil Engineering Award (SCEA) following the restoration of the historic Camps viaduct near Motherwell.
The team won the award for ‘best refurbishment’, recognising civil engineering excellence in rail after extending the lifespan of the structure earlier this year.
The project saw engineers completing 1,370 repairs, replacing more than 10,000 rivets and adding 65 tonnes of new steel to strengthen the viaduct.
Essential scour protection works were also carried out to both the east and west riverbanks and this included the installation of over 800 tonnes of rock armour.
All of the work completed during the project means the 160-year-old viaduct, which towers 35m over the River Clyde, will not need work on the same scale for up to 25 years.
Owen Ferry, Project Manager, Network Rail, said : “To win the Refurbishment Award is a testament to all who have worked tirelessly on the project.
“Our engineers and contractors showed great commitment and dedication to ensure the project was carried out efficiently while causing as little disruption to the people who live nearby and minimising disturbance to the surrounding land, riverbed, and the wildlife that make the woodland their home.
“With a refurbished bridge, we can help keep communities connected by continuing to run a safe and reliable railway and we’re delighted to have our efforts recognised.”
Steven McVey, Senior Project Manager, Story Contracting, said: “It is great to be recognised for the hard work we do day in day out, sometimes in not the most glamourous conditions.
“The site team have delivered this scheme very efficiently, working in close partnership with all our key stakeholders and minimising any environmental impacts where possible.
“The exemplary finish shows that there was a keen eye on quality and thus have been rewarded by winning this award. This is a great achievement for Story as it shows the work we do is noticed and highly respected within the civil engineering industry.”
The SCEA judges deemed the project represented an excellent submission, given the heritage of the bridge and the logistical and environmental challenges faced during the work. This recognised the efforts made by the engineering team to plan and carry out the work in a way that made sure that no long-term damage was sustained to the surrounding area.
Also highlighted by judges were the considerations and methods used to protect wildlife and the innovative procedures used, such as Cellweb®TRP for the haul road, porta dam for revetment, and pontoons to install scaffolding.
The judge’s citation read: “The engineering and environmental challenges faced in renovating the viaduct make this sympathetic restoration all the more remarkable and preserved an important part of our working railway heritage for many years to come.”
