East Lothian Council and infrastructure partner Balfour Beatty won in the Rail Infrastructure Project category. The awards are widely recognised as the highest honour for engineering excellence in Scotland's built environment.

The council managed the scheme, with Balfour Beatty carrying out the construction. Peter Forsyth (pictured right), who led delivery for the council, and Glen Henderson (pictured left), Project Manager for Balfour Beatty, received the award from BBC Scotland's Laura Miller at a ceremony held last month at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Fully funded by Transport Scotland, the works delivered a single-span bridge to replace the level crossing and created a 1km diversionary road at Markle Steading.

Markle Level Crossing had been one of only two remaining level crossings on Scotland's East Coast Main Line. Its closure removed the risk to road users and the national rail network.

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The new layout eases congestion for pedestrians and drivers by eliminating delays caused by lowered barriers when trains approach, and provides a shared-use path offering safe access for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian users.

The project used around 70,000 tonnes of locally sourced materials and incorporated a sustainable drainage system with three attenuation ponds, alongside landscaping to enhance biodiversity and help the structure blend into its rural surroundings.

At the awards, the project was praised for "demonstrating how civil engineering can improve safety, connectivity and the quality of life for local communities".

Peter Forsyth, the council's Project Manager in Growth and Sustainability, said: "This was an excellent example of a 'Team Scotland' delivery model, with the council working closely in partnership with Transport Scotland, Network Rail and Balfour Beatty.

"Within the council, this complex construction project was supported across our services, including Procurement, Legal, Planning, Roads and Estates.

"We're pleased the award recognised the benefits brought to the community which was our key focus throughout the project."

Keith Macdonald, Project Director, Balfour Beatty's Regional Scotland business, said: "We're proud to see the Markle Level Crossing project recognised for engineering excellence, and this award is testament to the collaboration and commitment of everyone involved. Together with our partners, we've delivered safer, more reliable crossing that will benefit the local community for years to come."