Two Halcrow projects have celebrated success at this year’s Thames Valley Engineering Awards for 2009, both in the environmental project category.

Halcrow’s River Lambourn Restoration in Newbury won the category, with the Grafton Lock Refurbishment in Lechlade, Highly Commended.

The awards recognise excellence in civil engineering projects completed in the last year that reflects the ICE’s global vision of: “Civil engineers at the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise”. Judgements on engineering excellence were based on criteria such as creativity and innovation, sustainability and environmental sensitivity and benefits to the client and wider public.

Howard Larkin, chair of the ICE’s judging panel, said:

“The recipients of the ICE Engineering Excellence Awards 2009 have excelled in delivering projects which combine a commitment to innovation, creativity and social value with a culture of safety and sustainability. I congratulate them all for demonstrating the important contribution that civil engineers make to the Thames Valley.”

The River Lambourn project aimed to restore the river, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to that of chalk stream with fast flowing water over a clean river bottom. The Judges were particularly taken with the care shown during construction to prevent damage to adjacent lime trees, the subject of Tree Preservation Orders. They were also impressed by the careful use of soft engineering solutions that are sympathetic to the natural environment and will require minimal future maintenance.

Grafton Lock was originally built in 1896 and was in need of repair, and the project’s scope extended to include a new canoe portage and bank protection work. Judges were impressed with the careful consideration given to local wildlife, with an otter and 5000 fish of various species protected during the works. The Judges were also pleased to note the use of local labour for the lock woodwork and that the tropical wood needed was acquired from a sustainable source.

Halcrow’s regional director for water in Europe, Roland Grzybek said:

“This is fantastic news for Halcrow and both of the project teams deserve the success they have received. Winning the environmental category highlights Halcrow’s commitment to sustaining and improving the quality of people’s lives”.