Somerset M5 project receives international recognition

Somerset Council[1]'s Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG), with delivery partners AECOM and Heidelberg Materials, is celebrating a landmark week of national recognition after securing top honours at two prestigious industry awards in London. The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link project was named winner of the Project Excellence and Innovation Award at the NEC Contracts Annual Awards 2026, recognising outstanding collaboration and innovation in infrastructure delivery.

Somerset M5 project receives international recognition

The project faced international competition and was selected ahead of a global shortlist that included the GBP5 billion Trunk Road T4 project in Sha Tin, Hong Kong (second place) and HMP Millsike, a GBP500 million development recognised as the UK's first all-electric prison (third place). The award celebrates projects that demonstrate exceptional performance in collaboration, innovation, delivery excellence and outcomes, showcasing what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering better infrastructure.

This recognition follows the success of the previous evening at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards 2026, where Somerset Council's IPG was commended in the Team of the Year category, highlighting the team's wider impact, leadership and consistent delivery excellence. Since its establishment in 2015, Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group has delivered more than GBP110 million of strategically significant highway infrastructure, building a strong reputation for delivering complex projects safely, efficiently and to a high standard through collaborative working, effective governance and technical excellence. The award-winning M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link has become a nationally recognised example of modern infrastructure delivery, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability and partnership can deliver meaningful benefits for communities, improve connectivity and support economic growth.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said: "To receive this level of recognition across two major industry awards in the same week is an exceptional achievement and reflects the talent, commitment and collaborative spirit of our Infrastructure Programmes Group and project partners. "Winning the NEC Contracts Project Excellence and Innovation Award against such strong international competition shows that Somerset is delivering infrastructure projects that stand alongside some of the very best in the world. "The M5 Junction 26 project demonstrates what can be achieved when local authorities and industry partners work together with ambition, innovation and a clear focus on outcomes for local communities.

"I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and contribution to this success." These latest accolades build on a growing list of recognition for the project. Earlier this year, it was shortlisted for the Best Highways Decarbonisation Award at the Decarbonising Transport Awards 2026, acknowledging its contribution to reducing carbon and embedding sustainable delivery practices.

The project was also commended in the Innovation Award category at the CIHT South West Awards 2026, recognising its innovative approach to project delivery and outcomes.

References

1. ^ Somerset Council (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk)