TRU East Alliance receives ICE Yorkshire and Humber Award
The Transpennine Route Upgrade - East Alliance, has been awarded the Smeaton Award (for projects under £5m), at the ICE Yorkshire and Humber Awards, for the work undertaken to replace Osmondthorpe Lane Underbridge, in Leeds.
Held in Hull for the first time, on Thursday 13 March, the awards recognise and celebrate exceptional civil engineers and projects from across the region.
A key component of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, this complex bridge replacement was completed in just five days - ahead of time - over Christmas 2024.
A 100-strong team of engineers removed the existing 300 tonne railway bridge and installed the new structure using a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle, in one piece. The new, stronger structure was then reconnected to the network, and a new track position was installed, to allow faster and bigger trains to run. Over 270 tonnes of ballast was then laid before the railway was handed back, ready for passenger services to resume.
The judges commended the project’s approach to sustainability and carbon measurement and reduction, as well as the alliances approach to community engagement, as it transported the old and new bridges through a 700m-long route, to and from the site compound.
We are honoured to receive the Smeaton Award at the ICE Yorkshire and Humber Awards, for our work to replace the Osmondthorpe Lane bridge last Christmas.” A huge thank you to all involved in this success. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team.
The TRU East Alliance
The Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion pound, transformative, long-term railway infrastructure programme that will improve connectivity in the North. It will support economic growth in the North and deliver real benefits for passengers and communities along this pivotal rail artery.
The East of Leeds part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade is between York and Church Fenton. This contract was awarded in October 2017, to the TRU East Alliance of Network Rail, VolkerRail, Murphy’s and Siemens.
