THE project to built a new viaduct at Upton has won a top construction industry award.

The £3.5 million project won the overall prize at the Institution of Civil Engineers West Midlands Awards.

Judges were impressed with the ingenious and practical solution of arranging the diversion route through a caravan park to reduce congestion during construction.

The prize was presented to Worcestershire County Council at a ceremony at Millennium Point, Birmingham, on Wednesday (Jane 8).

Mike Mann, chair of the judging panel, said: "We were impressed with all aspects of the project, including the design and well-planned construction phase that allowed such a speedy delivery. All of the team can be rightly proud of their efforts and I'm sure the road users were delighted too."

Paul Jameson, Worcestershire highways head, said: "We're delighted to have won the award. It's a great tribute to the excellent team of all our partners who have worked so hard and so effectively."

Arrangements are being made for an official opening ceremony once the site has been totally cleared. Discussions will be taking place with all partners, such as Upton Town Council, on the best possible date.