EWR Phase 2 project shortlisted for three BCIA Awards
The shortlist for this year’s British Construction & Infrastructure Awards (BCIAs) has been revealed, and we are delighted to announce that the EWR Phase 2 project has been shortlisted in three categories.
The BCIAs celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions of the British construction industry to society. This industry not only delivers transformative buildings and infrastructure that enhance lives and fuels economic growth, but also creates exceptional job opportunities and careers, fosters strong community relationships, drives innovation, and champions the low-carbon agenda.
Judges reviewed nearly 250 entries across 24 categories from over 100 organisations. The project, delivered by the East West Rail Alliance, comprised of Network Rail, AtkinsRéalis, Laing O'Rourke and VolkerRail, was shortlisted as follows:
- Best Projects – Infrastructure: Transport Project Award, recognising the best transport project design and delivery – be it enhance capacity, provide better connectivity or improve reliability – at a local, regional or national level.
- Biggest Impact: Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award, recognising projects that have introduced a specific project-based initiative targeting a lower carbon solution, specially boosting the whole life sustainability of the project or is improving environmental sensitivity.
- Design & Delivery: Project Team Excellence Award, recognising the best examples of exceptional collaboration, leadership, and commitment to delivering outstanding results.
Mark James, alliance director, said: “I am delighted to see the East West Rail Alliance well represented as a finalist in these awards. The Alliance has achieved something very significant, with the delivery of a complex infrastructure project - delivered ahead of time and under cost, driven by collaboration and best for project decisions, whilst also becoming the first major rail infrastructure scheme to voluntarily commit to and achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain.”
“I, along with my colleagues, look forward to the awards, and wish everyone the best of luck.”
The award winners will be announced at the BCIA ceremony on 8 October, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London.
East West Rail – Phase 2
The East West Rail project is a major railway programme aimed to deliver much needed transport connections for communities between Oxford and Cambridge.
Phase 2 of the project, to connect Oxford with Milton Keynes and Bedford began by rebuilding Bletchley flyover, with the first phase of the track work started in 2021. Since then, 66 kilometres of new track has been laid, with the final section of track connecting Bicester and Bletchley completed on 7 March 2024.
The first freight journey along the new route was undertaken in June, and the first passenger services are expected to start later this year.
