A roadworks scheme in Bristol that caused three years of disruption has been shortlisted for an award as work to "rectify defects" on the project is set to start.
The Temple Circus redesign is included in a public vote to recognise South West civil engineering schemes having a positive impact on people’s lives.
The major improvement works project, which started in June 2017, was put forward for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) People’s Choice Award by engineering firm Jacobs and was approved by Bristol City Council.
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The judges said they selected Temple Circus after hearing how the scheme had “greatly improved” the use of public space by widening footways and cycleways, reducing the number of pedestrian crossings, and creating a “nicer environment” for the public.
The council told BusinessLive the follow-up work on the scheme would start in May.
"The contract works were completed in January 2020 and in common with contracts of this type there is a following period where the contractor returns to rectify any defects," a spokesperson for the council explained.
"This is usually 12 months however due to the pandemic this work will now start in May this year.”
Bristol City Council spent nearly three years on the project including redesigning the road network and turning a roundabout into a straight road. The new layout opened at the end of 2019 but diversions for pedestrians and cyclists were in place until May 2020.
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Under the original plans, the works were expected to finish in 12-18 months but faced a number of delays after a series of problems caused by unexpected discoveries under the road including unrecorded electricity cables and water pipes, and uncharted cellars under the roundabout and Victoria Street.
According to Business Live’s sister sister Bristol Live, as well as delays to the scheme, the project ended up costing more than £17m - £6m more than when the initial planning began.
The council in 2019 that since the original grant offer in 2015, the scheme had expanded to include work at the southern part of the Bath Bridge Roundabout.
The authority said the cost of utilities works to "free-up" the land for development also added to the scope of the Temple Circus project which led to the budget increase.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said “The South West Civil Engineering awards celebrate the achievements of civil engineers and civil engineering across the region. The Temple Circus scheme met the criteria for the People’s Choice award and was entered by Jacobs, the civil engineering consultant on the Temple Circus scheme, with support from the council the project client and Eurovia, the main project contractor.
“The nomination highlights recognition from the civil engineering sector for the civil engineering achievements of Temple Circus project. As well as celebrating the scheme it serves to inspire current and future civil engineers on how they can play a fundamental role in significant infrastructure projects that bring all kinds of benefits to communities, cities and regions.”
The council said the Temple Circus improvement works supported its plans to create a "first-class arrival experience" to Bristol around Temple Meads station and was a "key part" of the Temple Quarter regeneration plans, which would create thousands of new jobs and homes.
'The scheme has led to a reduction in congestion'
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"The full benefits of the scheme will be realised once the redevelopment of Temple Meads is complete however it is already delivering several benefits for people travelling to and through the area," the spokesperson added.
“Previously the area was difficult to access on foot with multiple pedestrian crossings, narrow footways, and road traffic priority over more sustainable forms of transport.
"The scheme predominantly enhanced the public realm to prioritise sustainable modes of transport and improve transport connectivity including the MetroBus in and around the station.
"This included replacing a hazardous gyratory road system with a simpler four-way crossing, better and safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists, the extension of Brunel Mile, enhanced public spaces, and environmental landscaping such as rain gardens.
"Prior to lockdown, which impacted traffic flow, the scheme also led to a reduction in congestion on Temple Way through to the A4 corridor.”
According to the local authority, the Temple Circus scheme was designed to enable future development in the area, address the city’s climate emergency and improve digital connectivity.
It said the design would mean the potential for new buildings, including retail outlets and cafes, as well as the first stage of the District Heating Network and extension of Bristol’s internal fibre-optic network (BNET).
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Ten projects from across the South West are included in the final shortlist of the People’s Choice Awards, including Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset.
Judge Mike Gallop, interim regional managing director for Wales and Western at Network Rail, said: “The shortlist demonstrates the resilience and commitment of civil engineers across the South West, who have continued to deliver outstanding projects in extremely challenging circumstances.
“The finalists represent a wide and exciting range of schemes, highlighting the many different ways in which civil engineering benefits the region, its people, economy and environment.”
The public will decide which scheme will win the People’s Choice Award through a free online vote. Nominations are open until Friday, July 30, at 5pm.
The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at a gala event in Bristol on Thursday, September 30, 2021, hosted by engineer and TV presenter Rob Bell.
Full list of South West finalists
- A38/A419 Whitminster Roundabout Canal Bridges, Gloucester
- Emergency Homeless Housing Project - Cornwall's Rapid Response to Covid-19, Penzance and Truro
- Fleet Helicopter Support Unit HMNB Dockyard, Plymouth
- Helston Flood Alleviation Scheme, Cornwall
- Hinkley Point C Marine Works - Intake Heads, Somerset
- Marine Parade, Devon
- NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter, Devon
- The Box, Plymouth
- Temple Circus, Bristol