The NCE Bridges Awards’ debut signifies a pivotal event, underscoring the sector’s innovation and talent.
- The Awards followed the NCE Bridges Conference, focusing on major engineering trends.
- 18 diverse categories highlighted, drawing over 130 entries, judged by renowned industry experts.
- The ceremony celebrated a mix of emerging and established professionals, showcasing breadth in innovation.
- Insights from the event reveal a commitment to social, environmental, and economic advancements in engineering.
The inaugural NCE Bridges Awards, held in central London, marked a significant milestone in recognising the exemplary contributions within the bridge engineering sector. Following the day’s NCE Bridges Conference, the Awards provided a platform to reflect on both micro and macro trends influencing modern bridge engineering.
In its first year, the Awards featured a multifaceted competition across 18 categories, which received over 130 submissions from various projects and professionals, evaluated by a panel of more than 40 seasoned experts. This impressive turnout highlighted the profound interest and enthusiasm that the industry holds towards advancing bridge engineering practices.
Winners on the evening ranged from promising newcomers to seasoned professionals, including both dynamic small-to-medium enterprises and well-known global organisations. This diversity among the winners underscores the breadth of talent flourishing in the field. NCE editor Gavin Pearson remarked, “Bridges have epitomised civil engineering for centuries and the incredible diversity of winners really demonstrates the best of the best as the industry continues to enhance its social, environmental and economic impact.”
From maintaining historical structures to pioneering new bridge designs, the calibre and variety of submissions left a notable impression on the judges. The award recipients set a benchmark for excellence, celebrating innovative achievements within the industry that drive forward the practice of bridge engineering.
The list of winners in various categories illustrated the event’s reach and impact. In the individual awards category, Brian Duguid from Mott MacDonald received an accolade for outstanding contribution to the industry, while Ioannis Koromilas from Rendel was named a rising star in bridge engineering. Among the project awards, notable recipients included the Parkhead Viaduct Strengthening and Refurbishment by Pell Frischmann and the Herring Bridge by Bam Farrans Joint Venture.
Other significant winners included initiatives focused on active travel, best new designs, rigorous inspection practices, and comprehensive management projects. Firms such as Weston Williamson + Partners, Cake Engineering, and Beaver Bridges were recognised for their architectural, consultancy, and contracting prowess, respectively.
Innovation served as a central theme throughout the Awards, with distinguished accolades for advances in bridge inspection technology, carbon reduction strategies, and climate resilience. Collaboration between firms such as Niricson and Arcadis demonstrated the synergies achievable in enhancing bridge condition data. Meanwhile, Network Rail’s work on their FLOW Bridge demonstrated significant strides in innovative practices.
Ultimately, the NCE Bridges Awards have set a precursory standard for excellence and creativity in bridge engineering, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation that promises to propel the sector forward.
The inaugural NCE Bridges Awards not only celebrated achievements but also set a benchmark for future excellence in bridge engineering.
