THE guided busway has been boosted by winning two awards in a week, with the latest one recognising its contribution to the environment and sustainability.

Its sustainability gong at the 10th annual North West Construction Awards came after scooping a transport policy, planning and implementation prize for its pioneering investment programme at the CILT North West Awards The latest award recognises organisations that have shown creative thinking to ensure that principles of sustainability are fully integrated in a project.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: "I am delighted that this important project has been recognised at the North West Construction Awards, just a few days after being recognised at the CILT North West Awards.

"Creating the north west's first guided busway was a major feat of engineering, and its services are providing a significant boost for the communities it serves, helping people to access work, education and healthcare more easily than ever before.

"That it has been delivered, and is operating, in a sustainable way is hugely beneficial to the environment and for improving air quality, both of which are absolutely vital for the long-term health of our region."

Paul Weaver, managing director of Balfour Beatty North West, which built the busway on behalf of TfGM, said: "The guided busway is a fantastic project and it is great to see that its success is being widely recognised.

"This project leaves a sustainable legacy as an efficient, environmentally-friendly public transport link.

"More than 30,000 customer journeys a week are now experiencing the smooth and reliable service on offer."

During construction 72,000 tonnes of material from the busway was transferred to a nearby Forestry Commission site to improve the soil content.

New trees were also planted, creating green spaces, and two tunnels were installed under the busway to allow newts to safely pass underneath.

The 4.5-mile guided busway has welcomed 400,000 passengers since opening in April. It forms the flagship element of TfGM's £122 million investment to improve bus journey times and services.