Two prestige awards for council’s highways service

28 October 2022

The company that delivers highways services for Cheshire East Council has received two awards from Highways Magazine, the national trade publication for the roads and infrastructure sector.

The Ringway Jacobs bridges and structures team picked up the highways authority innovation award for its work on rebuilding a collapsed retaining wall between Bollin Grove and the River Bollin, in Prestbury.

To carry out the work, two large pipes had to be laid to carry the diverted River Bollin and the river dammed upstream so that engineers could access the riverbed and work in dry conditions. 

New concrete foundations for the wall were constructed and a previously hidden foul sewer supported. Skilled staff rebuilt the stone wall to match the original construction and maintain its visual appearance.

The award recognised ‘innovative and professional achievement’ as well as cost savings, team building, efficiency and safety. The ceremony took place at London’s Park Plaza Hotel.

Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council’s chair of highways and transport, said: “I want to congratulate the team on receiving this award.

"Clearly, this required much expertise and careful planning, and they were able to complete this project to their usual high standard and in a timely fashion, with minimal disruption.”

Ian McLauchlan, Cheshire East highways bridge manager, said: Great innovative engineering solutions and focused teamwork through our supply chain partners, engineers and workforce enabled the reconstruction of the wall while maintaining high levels of safety and environmental protection.”

At the same awards ceremony, Daniel Johnson received the apprentice of the year award. The judges praised his willingness to learn and develop new skills in a very competitive field. They added that the faith his employers place in him is ‘testament to his potential within the industry’.

Daniel, aged 27, who joined Ringway Jacobs as an apprentice in 2020, said: “I want to thank everyone who has supported me through my journey as an apprentice. The time and effort my team have invested in my growth both professionally and personally has meant a lot to me, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Dan has worked as a highways operative across a number of schemes, including highways repairs, the A51 at Nantwich, Castle Street public realm, in Macclesfield, and cycle routes in the Wilmslow area. He completed his apprenticeship at Telford College where he won an ‘outstanding achievement and highway maintenance’ award.