Sep 30 2009
An international line-up of contractors has picked up the tender paperwork for a high-profile road deal in Northern Ireland, worth at least £100m.
The task, involving the upgrade of the A8 between Belfast and Larne, has attracted six groups made up of local contractors, mainland firms, plus a Spanish company.
The line-up is Costain/Lagan/Ferrovial; Roadbridge/John Sisk; Farrans/Graham; Galliford/Siac; Balfour Beatty/FP Mccann; and a local joint venture of Wills Brothers/Clarke.
A project source said: "This job would be a very good one to win. It is straightforward enough and does not present contractors with any significant risks.
"But the contest is sure to be a cut-throat affair. Not only is local pride at stake, but in these gruelling economic times, firms will be under great pressure to work up a winning price."
The Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) design and construct scheme is expected to start on site in March 2012, and take around three years to complete.
The contract will be awarded on a two-stage basis, with the preferred contractor expected to emerge before the statutory processes for the project, including a public inquiry, get under way.
The job involves dualling what is known locally as the A8 Transport Corridor from Hillhead Road to the Ballyrickard Road between Belfast and Larne.
The 14km stretch of dual carriageway also includes constructing 14 bridges.
Firms competing for the scheme are due to return tenders to Coleraine-based Department for Regional Development during November this year.
Source: http://www.costain.com/