A complex £4.3m flood storage system in Wakefield has been shortlisted for a prestigious civil engineering award.
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has announced Wakefield Kirkgate Highways Scheme has been shortlisted for recognition in its 2019 Yorkshire and Humber Awards.
The scope of the project for the highway improvements and environment works within the Kirkgate development area and highway boundary comprises improved accessibility for all modes to the Kirkgate development area sites; improved connectivity for all modes of travel; improved storm water drainage facilities to remove current flooding issues; improved highway safety and the perception of safety; and improved environment and landscaping.
Josh Parry from Hinko Construction Ltd, said: “The projects major engineering challenge was the install of the highway flood storage system in existing pedestrian underpasses within the Kirkgate roundabout, with minimal disruption to live traffic above while mitigating hazards to operatives undertaking the tasks at hand.
“We are delighted that such a unique civil engineering project has been shortlisted.”
The project is one of five projects from across the region to be shortlisted for the Smeaton Award, alongside Runswick Bay Coastal Protection Scheme and Knostrop Footbridge.
The awards are held annually to showcase the outstanding work done during the past year by civil engineers in the Yorkshire and Humber Region. They are divided into three categories; projects with a cost in excess of £5m will compete for the Centenary Award, those under £5m can apply for the Smeaton Award, and those concerned with studies and research can compete for the Sir John Fowler Award.
In 2018 the Smeaton Award was won by the Tadcaster Bridge emergency works.
This year’s winners will be revealed at the ICE’s annual black-tie gala dinner at Sheffield City Hall on March 15.
Penny Marshall, the ICE’s regional director for Yorkshire and Humber said: “The standards of entries we have seen this year is exceptionally high and the judges now have a very difficult task ahead of them.
“There are thousands of civil engineers in Yorkshire and Humber that work tirelessly to design, improve and maintain the infrastructure that we rely on, and these awards are a great opportunity to highlight the positive impact their work has on our lives.”
