CVLR takes second major award

The project took the Innovation Impact Award - for its demonstrator track at the prestigious British Construction and Infrastructure Awards (BCIA).

The awards are regarded as the Oscars of the construction industry. Judges described the scheme as a '…significant innovation that game-changes light rail implementation in the UK.'

The success comes just days after the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) and Universal Track (suitable for conventional trams) Team was named Team of the Year at the 2026 Global Light Rail Awards.

The BCIAs are the premier awards for the industry, and in their 39^th year saw a record 300 entries whittled down to a shortlist of 200 for the 24 categories.

The awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions of the British construction industry to society. They recognise excellence in an industry that not only delivers transformative buildings and infrastructure, enhances lives and fuels economic growth, but also creates exceptional job opportunities and careers, fosters strong community relationships, drives innovation, and champions the low-carbon agenda.

In naming Colas Rail UK and Coventry City Council winners, judges said: "This project team is challenging the norms that stand in the way of implementing innovation at scale. Local infrastructure and academic leaders have come together to drive significant innovation that game-changes light rail implementation in the UK.

"This practical approach demonstrates the success of inclusive thinking and evidence-based trials. The judges feel this pioneering entry will not only realise benefits in Coventry, but across the UK."

Councillor Dr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: "To win a major award is a great achievement, but to win two in the space of a matter of weeks is amazing.

"These awards show what an incredible project CVLR is, and what a great team we have delivering it. We have always said that CVLR will help to transform public transport in our city and lead the way for others around the world and we are now at a very exciting stage as we begin to see it taking shape and showing everyone what is possible

"Congratulations to the team and everyone involved, you should be very proud."

Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) is an innovative research and development project designed to create an affordable rail-based travel system that can be delivered at less than half the cost and in half the time of conventional light rail systems, while providing the same benefits.

The project has developed a new vehicle and track which aims to provide a reliable, frequent, environmentally friendly, hop-on, hop-off service in the city.

This revolutionary Universal track will enable the delivery of affordable tram systems for small and large cities alike for less than half the cost and in less than half the time compared to conventional track. It's capable of carrying conventional trams as well as very light vehicles.

The track system that sits in the top 300mm of the carriageway, minimising interface with utilities, meaning less excavation, less disruption and reduced construction times, costs and carbon.

CVLR will provide residents with an alternative transport option, help improve air quality, reduce congestion, support housing development, and provide jobs and skills. The system's installation will secure local investment and put Coventry at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.

You can see more about Very Light Rail on the website - Coventry Very Light Rail - Coventry City Council

To see more about the BCIAs, visit BCI Awards 2026

Published: Friday, 16th October 2026