World News
Three construction groups compete to design iconic Mersey Gateway
7:30am Thursday 23rd February 2012
THREE eminent construction groups have been chosen to bid for a £600 million contract to build the iconic Mersey Gateway, set to create almost 5,000 jobs and regenerate the region.
They include renowned engineers from all over the world as each consortia will spend millions of pounds competing to design the river crossing.
Halton Council leader Clr Rob Polhill said: “We have attracted world class construction groups that have come together to compete for this prestigious contract.
“I look forward to announcing the eventual winner and the commencement of construction later next year.”
Balfour Beatty, Merseylink consortium and MGL consortium were selected by Halton Council from six groups.
The shortlisted bidders awarded the highest scores will now compete to design, build, finance and operate the new six lane toll bridge over the River Mersey linking Runcorn and Widnes.
Steve Nicholson, Mersey Gateway project director, said: “We were delighted with the quality and the quantity of the submissions we received.
“Each of the six groups we evaluted met our requirements but we set out to limit the procurement process to three groups so that we can reduce bid costs whilst running an effective competition.
“During the next year the project team will work with the shortlisted bidders to develop proposals that deliver quality and value for money on behalf of the taxpayer.”
The three consortia will now be privy to sensitive commercial information as they discuss ideas with the project team.
Draft final tenders will be invited by January, 2013 and final tenders by March, 2013.
The preferred bidder will then be chosen and the contract will be awarded in October, 2013.