The recently opened Platinum Parkway, one of Plymouth’s biggest ever transport improvement schemes, has won another regional award.
The scheme, which provides a much-needed alternative route between the A38 and the north of the city, has been named Transportation Project of the Year in this year’s CIHT (Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation) South West Regional Awards.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “We’re really proud to have received this accolade. The awards celebrate the very best the region offers in highways and transport and the contribution that projects like this can make to our daily lives.
“I’d like to thank our construction partners Balfour Beatty, all of the sub-contractors and our Council officers who worked together to deliver this multi-award winning project in some exceptionally challenging circumstances.”
The £52m scheme includes a new road bridge connecting the Forder Valley Road/Novorossiysk Road junction and William Prance Road, avoiding the often heavily congested Manadon Roundabout and the A386 Tavistock Road through Crownhill.
As well as helping to reduce journey times to and from key destinations such as Derriford Hospital, the University of St Mark and St John and the Plymouth Science Park, it will help to improve bus service reliability on the A386 northern corridor and provide a direct link from the east, including the future park and ride site at Deep Lane.
It also offers new and improved routes for cyclists and pedestrians and is complemented by improvements to the nearby Forder Valley Interchange (Leigham Roundabout).
Lee Escrig, Balfour Beatty’s Area Director, South said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation for our work in delivering the Forder Valley Link Road.
“This major new infrastructure project will be key to unlocking regional economic growth across Plymouth, improving connectivity for local residents and businesses alike.”
The Platinum Parkway (also known as the Forder Valley Link Road) has also been shortlisted for the Infrastructure Award in the national CIHT Awards, with winners due to be announced next at a ceremony in London month.