APRIL 2014 by Steve Menary


Work to start on Newtown bypass


Alun Griffi ths should be able to start work on the Newtown bypass before the end of this year now that a preferred route has been identifi ed but the budget has been trimmed by £5 million.


A year ago, the Welsh fi rm beat other contractors including Balfour Beatty and Carillion to the design and build job, which was then estimated to be worth anywhere between £50 and £55m.


Since then, the Welsh Assembly has carried out a review of the proposals working with the construction team, which also includes architects Parsons Brinckerhoff and quantity surveyors George Corderoy.


Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart said: “These changes to the route will simplify the work required, which will reduce the impact on the environment and allow work on this important project to start sooner. The bypass will improve the quality of life for


the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483 and A489.”


The results of the review are aimed at improving the environmental impact of the scheme and include a revised preferred route, including changes at four locations to avoid a gas main and to also reduce the amount of earthworks needed.


The changes to the plans will take the new bypass further away from Garth Owen housing estate. An overtaking lane down the entire length of the bypass has been introduced and instead of crossing over the Cambrian rail line, the bypass will now cross over the track. A roundabout will also be added at the junction with the A489.


Once Alun Griffi ths has fi nally moved on to the site, work on the 5.6km stretch of bypass should take around two years to complete.


Tenders returned for Midlands framework


Tenders have been returned for places on a roads and civil engineering framework agreement being set up in the Midlands that could see spending of up to £100m.


Dawnus and Walker are amongst the contractors to return bids for the framework, which is being set up by three local authorities: Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council.


The framework is being let in fi ve lots with the fi rst one covering ordinary highways and associated works and a second lot comprises ordinary structural and other civil engineering works. Both these lots will only cover projects worth up to £500,000.


A third lot will cover major highway, structural and other civil engineering works valued at more than £500,000 but below £3m. A fourth lot will cover major highway, structural and other civil engineering works above this value, while a fi fth lot will cover schemes in this area but only valued up to £200,000.


The contract will also incorporate procurement of work on agricultural buildings and waste management site works.


Procurement started on the contract, known as CMS 4450, in October last year and winners are due to be announced imminently as the framework will begin operating this spring. The county council expects the operation to run for the next four years with the possibility of an extension of up to two years.


BAM Nuttall starts work on Wirral’s roads


BAM Nuttall has entered into a four-year highway services contract with Wirral Council.


The contractor will be responsible for the maintenance of the Wirral’s roads, bridges, lights and paths.


The contract is one of the fi rst in the country to be procured using the new national Highways Maintenance Effi ciency Programme (HMEP) contract.


Cllr Harry Smith, Wirral Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said:


“The introduction of this contract, working with our incoming partners BAM Nuttall, gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to providing services which contribute to the growth in the borough’s economy, protect our highways and respond to residents’ concerns about their neighbourhood.”


Matt Stacey, head of highway services for BAM Nuttall, added:


“We’re ready to go and everyone is looking forward to providing quality services for residents and businesses in Wirral. Most of our workforce and many of our managers live in Wirral, so we all want to do a good job.”


£11m bridge project


Four contractors are in the running for an £11 million bridge improvement scheme in Scotland.


Transport Scotland has invited four construction companies to tender for the A96 Inveramsay Bridge improvement works. The shortlisted construction companies are: Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd, Morrison Construction and Farrans Construction.


www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk


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