Armac Group is Best of the Best 2026 award winner

The project, which first won the Civils category at the awards, involved the removal of a 140-metre-long, post-tensioned concrete structure spanning the M6 motorway. The operation took place during a weekend road closure coordinated with a West Coast main line possession.

Armac worked with Skanska, Network Rail, National Highways, Andun Engineering and Ramboll to develop a methodology that addressed the deteriorating structure while protecting existing piers and bearing shelves for reuse.

With reliable as-built drawings unavailable, investigations during demolition identified significant differences from previous assessments, including 11 unreinforced joints rather than four and a structure approximately 18% heavier than assumed.

Work was suspended while the structural behaviour was reassessed and the temporary works and demolition sequence revised.

The Armac team, seen here with host Matt Dawson (L), was presented with the Civils Demolition award by Kobelco’s Xenia Kolijn (R) before going on to win the top trophy (Image: KHL)

The resulting methodology incorporated progressive de-stressing of the post-tensioning, validated temporary support systems and coordinated working platforms, allowing demolition to proceed within strict structural loading limits while retaining the required substructures.

The entry scored the most points of any in the competition, elevating the win to become the supreme winner.

The judges described the infrastructure project as “outstanding and a strong example of best practice,” highlighting the quality of execution and overall project control.

“We’re delighted to have won the Civils Demolition award and the overall Best of the Best award for the Clifton Bridge demolition. Both awards reflect the expertise and commitment of everyone who helped deliver this complex scheme,” said the company.

It also shared feedback from the client. “The complex demolition was proactively managed by Armac’s team, ensuring the works were delivered safely and efficiently,” said Joe Bennett, project director, Skanska Construction UK Limited.