A scheme redesigning Wokingham’s train station and its transport access has scooped a top industry award for the way it solves problems caused by urbanisation, such as busier roads.
The Wokingham Rail Station and Link Road Redevelopment won the Urbanisation Award at the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) South East England Award Ceremony, which celebrates outstanding civil engineering achievement, innovation and ingenuity in the region.
A team from Wokingham Borough Council highways department received the award at a reception at the Grand Brighton Hotel hosted by former Top Gear presenter Tiff Needell.
The £13million project, between 2011 and 2015, was collaboration between the borough council, Network Rail and South West Trains to upgrade the rail interchange for the 21st Century.
It included a new station building and platforms, footbridge with lifts, changes to Station Approach and the new Station Link Road.
“Congratulations to everyone involved. An awful lot of hard work was put in from all sides to deliver this scheme and we’re thrilled to win this award with our partners,” said Cllr Malcolm Richards, executive member for highways and transport.
Suzanne Moroney, director of ICE South East England, said: “With the South East of England under extreme pressure to build more homes, it’s important to remember the need to have the best infrastructure.
“In the case of Wokingham’s rail station, the redevelopment will ensure residents have first class transport links, preparing the town for continued urbanisation.”
Wokingham’s project was shortlisted alongside the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road and the Bognor Regis Northern Relief Road.
The winners received a glass trophy and award certificate.
