A £25m scheme to futureproof a vital rail link in Gloucestershire to prevent disruption caused by climate change has won the Resilience Award at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2023.

Network Rail launched the project on the Newport to Gloucester line in response to increasingly extreme weather conditions affecting the route along the banks of the Severn Estuary, causing regular landslips and line closures.

Thousands of tonnes of material was removed from a steep cutting near Lydney and teams on ropes installed a mesh and bolt system on the slopes to prevent debris falling onto the tracks.

The judges felt the project showcased the true meaning of the word resilience in keeping open and futureproofing an important rail route for local communities.

They were impressed at how the project overcame the logistical challenges to complete the work in a very limited time frame.

Ten project awards and two individual trophies were presented at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards in association with Kier BAM on Friday at a gala ceremony in Bristol hosted by TV presenter Rob Bell. The awards are held annually to recognise achievement among regional engineers and project teams.

Miranda Housden, ICE South West regional director, said: "The ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2023 showcased a strong field of entries, marking a competitive year that underlines the region's depth of expertise and achievement.

"These amazing projects are taking on some of our most significant regional challenges. And with the talent of our apprentices and graduates, the future for civil engineering in the South West looks very promising. Congratulations to all who participated this year."