THE refurbishment of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, which saw the replacement of 130-year-old linkspan bridges, is amongst the winners of this year’s Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West Awards.

The project, which took place while working around the challenges of the tidal river, including active shipping lanes, won the Medium Project Award. 

Wirral Globe:

Above and below: The new-look Seacombe Ferry Terminal

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Carried out over a four-day period in October, the new north and south linkspan bridges and refurbished north and south boom were installed using a specialist Lara 1 Crane Ship after being transported up the river from Garston via a barge.

Wirral Globe: One of the new bridges being installed at Seacombe Ferry Terminal

The landing stage now features improved mooring bollards and new, powered gangways meaning this important local asset will be fit for another 25 years’ service before any other major maintenance work is required.

Wirral Globe:

One of the new bridges being installed at Seacombe Ferry Terminal

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said at the time the replacement took in October: "The installation of these new linkspan bridges marks a major milestone in this significant investment at Seacombe Ferry Terminal by the Combined Authority.

"The Mersey Ferries are an important part of our cultural identity in the city region and these works will make sure that they continue to run from Seacombe for many years to come."

The Seacombe Ferry Terminal was just one of the award winners.

The constructability award, covering temporary works, was won by the Silver Jubilee Bridge project, to repaint the 60-year-old bridge.

Standing 80m above the estuary, it is the UK’s largest steel arch bridge and presented tricky access issues.

Thanks to the effective use of tools for wind monitoring and load forecasting - that were developed specifically for the scheme - the painting of the entire upper arch of Silver Jubilee Bridge was duly completed.

Tobacco Warehouse Phase 1 received a commendation in recognition of the regeneration to date of this iconic heritage landmark. The conservation approach, combined with selective demolition, means that the external parts of the building remain almost completely intact. Not only is it back in productive use, but it has also led to £1Billion of redevelopment in the vicinity.

Emma Antrobus, Director, ICE North West said: "Civil engineering is concerned with bringing benefits to society and it’s evident that the award-winning schemes in Merseyside are no exception.

"More and more, we see large scale efforts that are delivered through effective collaboration, finding innovative ways of working, including repurposing and refurbishing rather than demolition."

Other awards went to Low Carbon Graphene Enhanced Concrete in the Mercer Innovation category, Manchester Engineering Campus Development in the Large Project category, Escape to Freight Island in the Small Project category as well as a Special Recognition Award for the Medieval Quarter and Glade of Light memorial.

Two other awards were won by Kit Wolverson of Mott MacDonald in the Rising Star category and Maria Eftimova from Costain in recognition of her STEM volunteer work to inspire others to enter the profession.

Several commendations were also made at the awards ceremony, which was held at the Midland Hotel, Manchester on Thursday (May 19).

The event was supported by Tensar International, The Temporary Works Forum, Civic Engineers and Richter.