A collaboration between Amey and Staffordshire County Council has won two prestigious awards from the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Ferry Bridge in Burton is a historic, Grade II-listed suspension bridge that spans the River Trent. It was opened in 1889 and was paid for by local brewing magnate Michael Arthur Bass. This cherished local landmark was badly in need of attention, especially after a 2011 structural assessment identified the need for strengthening and refurbishment.
Amey worked closely with Staffordshire County Council on a programme of works that included the installation of an internal strengthening frame, a new timber deck, parapet strengthening, cleaning and repainting. The bridge’s 20 ornamental rosettes were also replaced, while the original coats of arms were reproduced and installed following fundraising by local group the Ferry Bridge Working Group. The project was awarded Midlands Counties Winner in the Footbridge category.
The Branston Locks development, which is to the south west of Burton-upon-Trent, will see 400 acres of land immediately west of the A38 developed with 2,500 new homes, a range of community facilities and a 50-acre employment site. To support access to the development site a £6.5 million scheme was required to improve access which included the construction of a new road bridge over the Trent and Mersey Canal. The design of Nurton Canal Bridge at Branston Locks was named Winner in the Road and Railway Bridge category at the same Institution of Structural Engineers awards event, which took place earlier this month.
Principal Civil Engineer from Amey Christopher Plant said: “We are very proud of the success of both these projects, which saw Amey working very closely with Staffordshire County Council. We maintain 1,200 bridges in total on behalf of the council but these two projects in particular saw us working on bridges that offer a huge amount to the local community – one a much-loved local landmark and the other a key bit of infrastructure for an exciting new development in Burton.”
Staffordshire County Council’s highways leader Mark Deaville said: “The restoration of Ferry Bridge was a detailed and meticulous project and the end results have been excellent. This wasn’t a normal repair project as the bridge is listed. Its planning also involved a wide range of people, from community groups to our own officers and Amey. The county council made a significant investment in this project to protect the bridge for future generations and so we’re pleased to see it recognised through this award. The fact that the Nurton Bridge at Branston Locks has also received an award demonstrates the high standard of our highways structures in Staffordshire.”