February 12, 2019 2.49 pm This story is over 61 months old

Companies line up for Lincoln Eastern Bypass earthworks contract

The previous sub-contractor collapsed last month
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Seven companies have shown an interest in taking over the earthworks contract on the Lincoln Eastern Bypass project following the collapse of the previous subcontractor last month.

Hawk Plant Ltd had been carrying out the contract for the scheme which aims to minimise congestion across the city.

But the firm made the decision to appoint administrators on January 14 and blamed “historical problematic contracts” and delays in “commencement of anticipated projects”.

Galliford Try, the main contractor for the highways scheme, put out the work to tender following the collapse of the company.

Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Picture: Lincolnshire County Council.

Since then, Lincolnshire County Council has said most of the firms who showed interest in the contract have visited the site.

Companies have until Friday, February 15, to submit a bid to deliver the earthworks.

The county council said it was still uncertain as to whether the collapse of Hawk will cause further delays to the Eastern Bypass.

The single carriageway scheme has already been delayed by Carillion’s collapse from December 2019 until May 2020 and is expected to be £21 million over budget, totalling £120 million (the original cost estimate for a dual carriageway road).

Lincolnshire county councillor, Richard Davies, at the Lincoln Eastern Bypass construction site. Picture: Steve Smailes.

Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “So far we have had seven companies show interest in the earthworks tender that Galliford Try put out at the end of January.

“Most of these firms have visited to investigate the site and now have until this Friday to submit their tenders.

“After that, Galliford Try will review the submissions and appoint a new earthworks sub-contractor, subject to assurance and financial checks.

“Until then, Galliford Try will continue carrying out some of the integral earthworks themselves to keep the project moving forward.

“At the moment, we don’t know for sure whether there will be any delay caused by this situation. However, we hope to offset any potential delay by winning some time back as the scheme progresses.”

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