A major engineering project which opened up a key section of canal to boaters, walkers and cyclists has won a prestigious award. 
Cotswold Canals Connected partners are celebrating winning an award for the ongoing restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation canal for the second year in a row.
This year, the new Ocean Jubilee Bridge at Stonehouse won the Under £8m New Build Award at the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards, held on 22nd November. The project was designed by Crouch Waterfall and delivered by Network Rail and its contractors Alun Griffiths, on behalf of Cotswold Canals Connected.
The project, part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, took more than two years of planning, which included casting the new bridge sections on site, draining a 230 metre section of canal and catching and relocating thousands of fish. 
The original railway bridge had been replaced in the 1960s, leaving only a narrow opening that was too small for boats to pass through. This needed to be replaced as part of the restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation Canal.
On the 23rd May 2021 the new rail bridge was renamed as the ‘Ocean Jubilee Bridge’ in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, Karen Morgan and Network Rail Chair, Sir Peter Hendy CBE.
Last year Cotswold Canals Connected lead partner, Cotswold Canals Trust won both the ICE People’s Choice Award and the Under £8m New Build Award for the A38 roundabout bridge.
Chris Mitford-Slade, Cotswold Canals Connected Project Director said 
“We are delighted to have won this award as it really highlights our commitment to creating an environment that connects and enhances communities.
“It is great to see this complex project receiving recognition by not only members of the public, but by industry leading authorities.”
Cllr Catherine Braun, leader of Stroud District Council said
“The canal restoration project has had a hugely positive impact on the local area, and is a fantastic resource that allows people to walk, run, cycle, meet with friends, or simply sit and enjoy a peaceful moment in nature.”
Stuart Calvert, Network Rail Wales and Western capital delivery director, said
“I am delighted for everyone involved that our Ocean Canal bridge and Dartmoor Line projects have been recognised at this year’s prestigious Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Civil Engineering Awards.
“I am so pleased that our work to replace the railway bridge at the Ocean in Stonehouse has been recognised with the Under £8m New Build Award.
“Our team worked tirelessly over the last festive period to complete this important upgrade which will help ensure we continue to run a safe and reliable railway for years to come, not forgetting also enabling boats to pass through the canal at the Ocean in Stonehouse for the first time in many years.”
Miranda Housden, ICE South West Regional Director, said
“This year’s awards showcase the challenging work undertaken by civil engineers for the benefit of regional communities. The project winners demonstrate how social value, economic growth, climate resilience and inclusivity can be unlocked through excellence and innovation in the design, construction, and implementation of infrastructure schemes. Plus, the awards confirm that the South West is building for the future by investing in the new talent we need to help the region thrive in the years to come. All our winners and finalists should be very proud of what they are achieving and the contribution they are making to the South West.”
Significant social, environmental and economic benefits will be achieved by providing a car-free walking and cycling route linking the Gloucester and Sharpness canal towpath to the Stroudwater Navigation at Saul Junction. 
Other benefits include increased biodiversity through creating new wetland habitats, attracting external investment to support the regeneration of old industrial areas along the canal corridor, and boosting job creation and the local economy.
Cotswold Canals Connected is a partnership of organisations led by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust, who are restoring the local canal network.
