Two different civil engineering projects in Cornwall have been shortlisted for a prestigious engineering award with members of the public invited to vote for the winner. 

The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade to dual the last section of single carriageway between the M5 and Camborne is one of the largest on the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2023, which aims to raise the profile of civil engineering in the region.

At the other end of the scale, a pilot scheme in West Cornwall, testing the use of eco-blocks as a marine-friendly form of coastal defence, has also made the final lineup.

Falmouth Packet: National Highways, Costain and Jacobs have been working since 2020 to deliver the A30 scheme by building a new 8.7-mile-long section of dual carriageway, with grade separated junctions at Chiverton, Chybucca and Carland Cross.National Highways, Costain and Jacobs have been working since 2020 to deliver the A30 scheme by building a new 8.7-mile-long section of dual carriageway, with grade separated junctions at Chiverton, Chybucca and Carland Cross. (Image: Institution of Civil Engineers)

The Environment Agency research project is trialling 88 low-carbon units around the Newlyn breakwater as part of research into new designs for coastal armour to enhance marine biodiversity.

The public can choose the People’s Choice Award winner through an online vote at ice.org.uk/sw/awards which will close on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Miranda Housden, ICE South West regional director said: “The People’s Choice Award is a great opportunity to promote civil engineering to the public and celebrate the hard work that civil engineers engage in to benefit the region’s communities.

“I’d encourage everyone to find out more about the outstanding projects on the shortlist and cast a vote for the scheme they think has had the greatest positive impact for their area or the region as a whole.”

Falmouth Packet: Newlyn is one of the first places to pilot the eco-blocks technology in an intertidal, high-energy setting. Newlyn is one of the first places to pilot the eco-blocks technology in an intertidal, high-energy setting.  (Image: Institution of Civil Engineers)

The result will be revealed at a gala ceremony in Bristol on Friday, November 10 which will be hosted by TV presenter Rob Bell. Graduate and Apprentice of the Year winners will also be announced along with other project categories.

More about the projects

A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross, Cornwall  

One of the biggest construction projects Cornwall has ever seen will unblock the last section of single carriageway road between the M5 and Camborne, delivering significant infrastructure improvements and benefits to the region. 

Newlyn Coastal Research & Development Project, Cornwall

In a pioneering twist on traditional coastal defences, this innovative scheme is testing out eco-armour on a breakwater with the ambition of enhancing marine biodiversity while also improving flood protection for a coastal community.