Somerset Council’s Major Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG) has been shortlisted for the Team of the Year Award at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Annual Awards 2026.
The national recognition celebrates the outstanding achievements of the IPG team, which has built a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and to exceptional quality. Winners will be announced at the CIHT Annual Awards 2026 in London later this year.
Established in 2015, Somerset Council’s Infrastructure Programmes Group has delivered more than £110 million of strategically significant highway infrastructure. The multidisciplinary team has consistently demonstrated excellence through robust governance, strong in-house expertise, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to project delivery.
Flagship schemes including:
- Colley Lane in Bridgwater,
- M5 Junction 25,
- Creech Castle in Taunton,
- M5 Junction 23,
- M5 Junction 26, and
- the Signals Recovery Programme across the county,
highlight the team’s ability to manage complex challenges while maintaining high technical standards and minimising disruption to communities. These projects have showcased innovation in sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and construction efficiency.
The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link scheme has also recently gained further national recognition, having been shortlisted for a major category at the Decarbonising Transport Awards, reflecting the team’s commitment to reducing carbon and embedding sustainable practices across its work.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said:
Being shortlisted for this prestigious national award is a testament to the dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit of our Infrastructure Programmes Group.
Their consistent track record of delivering high-quality projects that benefit our communities, while maintaining strong cost and programme control, sets a benchmark for infrastructure delivery across the public sector.
The IPG team’s success is underpinned by its integrated delivery model, which brings together design, project management, planning, and stakeholder engagement within a single, highly skilled team. This approach enables faster decision-making, improved accountability, and consistently high-quality outcomes.
Over the years, the team has received multiple regional and national awards from leading industry bodies including CIHT, ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and the Highways Awards. These accolades recognise not only technical excellence, but also innovation, sustainability, and the positive impact of projects on local communities.
Key achievements include:
- Delivery of multiple major highway schemes within budget and programme
- Significant carbon reductions through innovative construction methods
- Strong stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with active travel groups
- Continuous investment in emerging professionals to build future capability
The shortlisting for CIHT Team of the Year further reinforces Somerset Council’s commitment to delivering resilient, sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life for residents.
