A scheme being delivered by Costain on behalf of Highways England has clinched a top accolade at this year’s Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards.
The company's A556 Knutsford to Bowdon improvement scheme was awarded the top prize of Most Considerate Site. It was praised for 'taking considerate construction to a new level'.
The M1 smart motorway, which is also being delivered by Costain, was named a runner-up to Most Considerate Site, both within the category of sites with a project value of £10m and over.
A number of other Highways England schemes were also recognised for their contribution to improving the image of construction.
The annual awards recognise the highest levels of consideration and care shown by sites registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme towards their local neighbourhoods, the general public, their workforce and the environment. They are judged by scheme monitors visiting the site and rating their considerate performance against the Code of Considerate Practice.
The A556 is a prominent route linking north Cheshire and south Manchester and is part of government’s commitment to deliver a Northern Powerhouse.
Awarding the top honour the judges praised the A556 project for the way "every aspect of the work visible to the general public portrayed professionalism. Engagement with the communities in the area was made to good effect, and the range of initiatives will undoubtedly impact positively. Environmental performance, too, was of the highest standard, confirming a very positive impression of sustainable construction on those affected by the works."
Jeremy Bloom, Highways England’s regional investment programme director, said: “We’re delighted that the judges have recognised the contribution we are making and that they chose to award the A556 with the top accolade.
“We and our suppliers are committed to making sure that all of the schemes we deliver improve not only provide a safe and smooth journey for drivers that use them every day but also improve the quality of life for local communities who interact or live near them as well.”
Project manager for Costain, Rachel Ellison, added: "It is a fantastic accomplishment and recognises the phenomenal effort and dedication from the whole project team from the client to the supply chain.
“As a team we are all committed to the Code of Considerate practice and look to not only minimise the impact of our works on the local communities but to enhance our surroundings and leave a positive lasting legacy.”
Highways England schemes that were recognised for their contribution to improving the image of construction at the 2016 National Site Awards were:
Most Considerate Site – Costain: A556 Knutsford to Bowdon Improvement Scheme
Runner Up – Costain: M1 Smart Motorway
Gold – BMJV (Bam Nuttall - Morgan Sindall Joint Venture): A14 J7-J9 Kettering Bypass Improvement Scheme
Gold – BMJV (Bam Nuttall - Morgan Sindall Joint Venture): M1 Junction 19 to 16 Smart Motorways
Gold – Carillion Morgan Sindall Joint Venture: A1 Leeming to Barton Improvement Scheme
Gold – Galliford Try Infrastructure: A45/A46 Tollbar End Improvement Scheme
Gold – Kier Highways Ltd: Kier Strategic Highways, Area 3, Park Gate Motorway Compound
Gold – Skanska UK plc: M1 Junction 19 Improvement Scheme
Silver – Costain: M42 Junction 6 Improvements PPP Scheme
Silver – Kier Highways Ltd: Kier Strategic Highways, Area 3, Chieveley Motorway Compound
Silver – Kier Highways Ltd: Kier Highways Ltd (Area 1) Notter Bridge Depot
Silver – Laing O'Rourke Infrastructure: A453 Widening
Bronze – Balfour Beatty: A1 Coal House to Metro Centre Improvements
Bronze – Balfour Beatty: M3 Junction 2-4a Smart Motorway
Bronze – Costain Ltd: A14 J31 to 32 Eastbound and Westbound Improvements
Bronze – Interserve Construction: M27 Junction 5 Freeflow
Bronze – Interserve Construction Ltd: A38 Dobwalls Safety Scheme
Bronze – Kier Highways Ltd: Kier Highways Ltd (Area 1) Sowton Depot
Bronze – Manchester Smart Motorways: Manchester Smart Motorways