Infrastructure project wins Scottish Civil Engineering Award
The creation of a new bridge and diversionary road replacing the Markle Level Crossing near East Linton scooped a top prize at this year’s Scottish Civil Engineering Awards.
Our council and infrastructure firm Balfour Beatty collected the accolade in the Rail Infrastructure Project category.
The awards are widely recognised as the highest honour for engineering excellence in the built environment in Scotland.
We acted as project managers for the works which were undertaken by Balfour Beatty.
Our Project Manager in Growth and Sustainability Peter Forsyth, who led its delivery, and Glen Henderson, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty, were presented with the award at a ceremony held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last month.
(Left to right) Glen, BBC Scotland's Laura Miller who presented the awards and Peter
The works, which were fully funded by Transport Scotland, saw the construction of a single-span bridge to replace the level crossing along with the construction of a 1km diversionary road at Markle Steading.
Markle Level Crossing had been one of only two remaining level crossings on Scotland’s East Coast Main Line. Its closure removed the risk to road users and the national rail network.
The new bridge benefitted pedestrians and road traffic by removing delays caused by lowered level crossing barriers when trains are approaching.
The project incorporated 70,000 tonnes of locally sourced materials and delivered a shared-use path providing safe access for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian users.
A sustainable drainage system, including three attenuation ponds, was introduced to manage stormwater and reduce flood risk, alongside landscaping that enhanced biodiversity and integrated the structure into its rural setting.
Quality of life
At the awards, the project was praised for “demonstrating how civil engineering can improve safety, connectivity and the quality of life for local communities”.
Peter said: “This was an excellent example of a ‘Team Scotland’ delivery model, with the council working closely in partnership with Transport Scotland, Network Rail and Balfour Beatty.
“Within the council, this complex construction project was supported across our services, including Procurement, Legal, Planning, Roads and Estates.
“We’re pleased the award recognised the benefits brought to the community which was our key focus throughout the project.”