The South West’s most prestigious civil engineering competition opens this week with the aim of celebrating how the region has continued to deliver outstanding infrastructure projects despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
From now until 17 March, entries are being sought for the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2021 from projects in the county that demonstrate engineering excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the face of unprecedented disruption.
Mike Gallop, Chair of the Judging Panel and Regional Director (interim), Wales and Western, Network Rail, said:“I have nothing but admiration for the way in which civil engineers rose to the challenges of the past year to carry on with the vital work they do for our region and its communities. In many cases, projects continued throughout the pandemic with engineers adapting to enable a quick and safe return to site, working within Covid secure practices.
“As we recover from the pandemic, we will need skilled engineers more than ever, and I am hoping the 2021 awards will show just how much talent and resilience we have in the South West. ”
The awards recognise the region’s best civil engineering work with categories for new and re-engineered projects, above and below £8 million. There are awards recognising community involvement and collaboration and all projects have to show how they have used environmentally sustainable practices.
Among the 2020 winners was the Tintagel Castle Bridge in Cornwall which won the Showcase Award. Bristol’s pioneering inland surfing lake, The Wave was the popular favourite, winning The People’s Choice Award following a public vote.
Miranda Housden, Regional Director, ICE South West, said: ““Our awards are open to projects of all shapes and sizes. I’m always amazed at the breadth of engineering solutions in the South West, showing creativity and ingenuity.
“Emergency or temporary schemes are also eligible, and I would love to see entries from projects that are in direct response to the pandemic and its impacts, proving how civil engineering can make a difference to society when most needed.”
Entries are open to projects completed between 1 January and 31 December 2020. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel on Thursday 30 September or online if the physical event is not possible.
The ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2021 also include categories for graduates and apprentices in recognition of the emerging talent in the region.
Entry forms are available at ice.org.uk/sw/awards.
