The ICE’s Robert Stephenson Awards recognise iconic works in the north east and Grosmont Underbridge was commended in the under-£2m category.

The awards were presented by ICE’s president, David Orr, at the annual regional dinner organised at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel to coincide with his presidential visit to the north east.

Mr Orr said: “The quality of the projects entered in the Robert Stephenson Awards was excellent and it is always disappointing for those who do not go away as winners or with commendations, but those who did achieve such status showed real excellence and justly deserved their recognition on a fabulous night.”

The bridge in Grosmont was replaced after faults were detected, lowering its load bearing capacity.

The railway was closed for a 48 hour period in early December 2006, which allowed the existing bridge to be demolished and the new structure to be installed in the space of a single weekend.

The bridge is located to the immediate west of Grosmont Station, and spans one of only two main roads into the village.

The existing structure was built in 1865, and originally carried the single track Middlesbrough to Whitby line.

A novel feature of the design was governed by the need for rapid installation in a single weekend possession.

The bridge was designed to be constructed in the adjacent national park car park, where the site compound was set up.

The superstructure was fabricated on site, and built on top of the precast reinforced concrete impost units.

A spokesman for Network Rail, who run the line, said: “We spend many millions of pounds each year maintaining and restoring the UKs rail infrastructure. It’s very gratifying to have that work recognised by these prestigious awards.”