Micro tunnel improving the UK’s water quality wins at ICE North West Awards

One of the longest micro tunnels in the UK’s water sector won the Mercer Innovation Award at this year’s ICE North West Civil Engineering Awards.

The winning project, the Royal Oak and Longsight Park Tunnel, aimed to improve the water quality of Bradshaw Brook in Bolton. The tunnel significantly reduced the frequency of spills from two combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during storm events.

Instead of constructing detention tanks, the project used a tunnel boring machine to install a 900m tunnel with a 1.829m internal diameter, reducing surface disruption and preserving the environment.

The judges commended the project team for their use of an existing concept to minimise impacts on the environment and society.

This year’s awards were presented by ICE President Professor Jim Hall and ICE North West regional chair, Lewis Brimmell, at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Project awards

The project award winners reflect civil engineering excellence in the North West region.

Constructability Award

Castleton M62 Underbridge Reconstruction won the Constructability Award for its integration of temporary works within a main project.

The project replaced a 56-year-old 42m-long rail bridge over the M62 with a new structure with a life expectancy of 120 years.

The judges commended the project for its focus on health and safety and stakeholder engagement.

Future Resilience Award

The winner of the Future Resilience Award was Oldham Council – School Streets Initiative.

The aim of the project was to reduce car dominance around schools and enable walking, cycling and wheeling.

By combining technology, community collaboration and evidence-based planning, Oldham Council’s School Streets programme is driving a generational shift in travel behaviours, making journeys safer, healthier and more sustainable.

The judges said the solution was simple but effective, and noted the project is now a blueprint to use for future school streets.

Small Project Award

Leven Viaduct Scour Protection Works won the Small Project Award for schemes under £5m.

The project replaced sections of the viaduct’s concrete apron (flat slabs) and repaired two damaged piers.

Early sub-contractor involvement enabled the use of pre-cast concrete collars that were installed using bespoke pontoons.

This approach reduced costs by £10m, accelerated delivery, and highlighted collaboration, efficiency and ingenuity in civil engineering.

The judges praised the project team for reducing overall costs and challenging the brief.

Grange-over-Sands Embankment Repair was highly commended in this category.

Medium Project Award

Arrowe Park Hospital – A&E Upgrade won the Medium Project Award for schemes between £5m and £20m.

The project allowed construction works to continue safely while keeping the hospital running.

This meant disruptions in operations and transportation of patients and supplies to other locations was avoided.

The judges commended the project’s strong focus on people and for achieving demolition in a live hospital setting.

Kendal Phase 1 Flood Risk Management was highly commended in this category.

Large Project Award

The Large Project Award for schemes over £20m was presented to M6 Junctions 21a to 26 Upgrade.

The project team was tasked with improving journey times and reliability on the M6 between Junction 21a and 26 for approximately 120,000 vehicles a day.

Not only was the project a success, but at the time of opening, the upgraded section had 22 emergency areas – the highest number per mile of any new section of smart motorway.

The judges appreciated the project team’s use of AI and health and safety practices.

They also said the project entry demonstrated a positive local impact, despite the national importance of the project.

People awards

Individual civil engineers from the North West were also celebrated at the awards ceremony.

Rising Stars

Always a popular category, the Rising Star Award was split into two awards for 2025.

The Rising Star Award for graduates went to Aman Khandelwal from Tetra Tech.

Khandelwal was recognised for his multiple awards, mentoring peers, championing equity, and helping to deliver impactful projects across the UK and Europe.

The Rising Star Award for apprentices and technicians was awarded to Niamh Aldridge from AtkinsRéalis.

Aldridge is a proactive and dedicated civil engineering degree apprentice who is committed to continuous learning and inspiring others through STEM.

She was commended by the judges for her strong personal vision on what she wanted to see for the future of engineering.

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Champion

Francis Kwateng from Equans was named Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Champion for 2025.

Over the last year, Kwateng has chaired Equans’ employee-led network dedicated to Race Equality (RISE) to drive awareness and educate individuals across the business.

Kwateng also volunteered within Equans' diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team, which saw the business receive a bronze status Trail Blazer Award by Race Equality Matters and achieve the status of ‘2025 top employer’.

STEM Ambassador Award

Jennie Harrison from Pell Frischmann received the STEM Ambassador Award for the second time in three years.

Her dedication and passion for STEM volunteering was demonstrated across a range of activities – from showing local schools around her office, to speaking to over 400 pupils in one morning about civil engineering and STEM.

In her previous role, Harrison focused on developing relationships with schools and getting senior leaders in the office engaged with STEM activities and events.

This year’s ICE North West Civil Engineering Awards were sponsored by SLR Consulting, Civic Engineers, Murphy, Temporary Works Forum, Tensar and Waterman Aspen.