Council tests 'appetite' for bridge job as costs rise

20/09/2022 | CHRIS AMES

Guildford Borough Council has advertised a £26m contract for a road bridge that will replace a level crossing over the railway in Surrey.

The Ash Road Bridge scheme, which is subject to final detailed design, comprises a new road bridge over the railway south of Ash Station and a pedestrian footbridge with disabled access.

The scheme will close Ash level crossing (above), which the council says will improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and encourage traffic off of rural roads, which drivers currently use to avoid the level crossing.

The council, which is not a highway authority, describes the area as a ‘congestion hotspot’, with the level crossing causing delays to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. It closes around eight times an hour or 150 times a day with closures totalling up to 25 minutes per hour.

It adds that the scheme will also enable housing allocated in its Local Plan to come forward.

The contract notice states that the council is looking to appoint a single supplier on a design and build basis. It cites a requirement in its plan for land for both the bridge scheme and approximately 1,750 homes.

Announcing the decision to advertise the job earlier in the summer, the council said the aim was ‘to test the appetite for this complex project’.

It said inflation and rising energy prices mean the forecast construction budget has risen, noting that the previous total budget for the road bridge, approved in April 2021, was £33.77m. It said that after the tender process councillors will discuss any budget and funding increases.

The scheme has provisionally secured £10m from Homes England and £2.5m from Network Rail.

Cllr John Rigg, lead councillor for regeneration, said the council also had contributions from developers.

He said: ‘This important project comes at a very difficult time for the construction industry. It is a significant investment. Price rises and uncertainties mean that we must check we get best value.

‘This process is likely to cause a delay. We remain committed to delivering this important piece of infrastructure for the borough. We are also continuing work to secure the approvals needed to build the road bridge. Our aim is to start on site in 2023 and complete the construction of the road bridge by Summer 2024.’

The level crossing will be closed to vehicle traffic when the road bridge opens but pedestrians will be able to use the level crossing until the footbridge has been completed.

The deadline for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is 17 October, with 1 November the estimated date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW