Midlands Metro Alliance and Pell Frischmann Win Rail Bridge Project of the Year at NCE Bridges Awards
Pell Frischmann is proud to announce Parkhead Viaduct Strengthening and Refurbishment scheme won Rail Bridge Project of the Year at the inaugural NCE Bridges Awards.
The awards are an annual recognition and celebration of the most innovative, impactful and inspirational firms and projects within bridge engineering.
As a proud part of the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), who are enhancing and expanding the West Midlands Metro light rail system on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, Pell Frischmann developed the design from initial concepts, through detailed design and into construction. To strengthen and refurbish the structure, ensuring it can accommodate trams and heavy rail in the future.
Through thorough investigations and a rigorous design review process, we applied strengthening measures to retain the structure. Our reuse of the existing structure, sympathetic remedial work, and efficient use of additional material resulted in a low-carbon solution for our client.
Tom Maplethorpe, Midland Metro Alliance Project Director WBHE said:
“It is really pleasing to see Parkhead Viaduct recognised by the bridge industry with this award. Not without its challenges, from concept design through to the delivery, the teams efforts have put preservation of its history at the forefront of our approach – a great example of the MMA’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy.”
On winning this award, Simon Hibbert, Technical Director for Civil Structures said:
“It is amazing to be recognised for our work by our peers. This project has showcased our drive to innovate and develop low-carbon solutions to extend the life of existing infrastructure. The solution not only meets the requirements of today but also allows for the potential of heavy rail in the future. Huge congratulations to all involved!”
Originally constructed in the 1880s, Parkhead Viaduct is a vital piece of Dudley’s railway heritage. Designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the viaduct played a crucial role in connecting the town to the wider railway network but fell into disuse after heavy rail services were halted on this line in the middle of the last century.
This innovative restoration project has not only preserved the viaduct’s historic character but also strengthened it from within mitigating any requirement to change the much-loved structure’s external appearance. By employing cutting-edge techniques, designers and construction professionals at the MMA have ensured the structure can seamlessly integrate with the modern demands of a tram system, guaranteeing its use for generations to come.