National Highways announced the team selected as Preferred Bidder in the award of the GBP1.25 billion (EUR1.476 million) contract for the construction of the Amesbury A303 tunnel and main works to Berwick Down, passing through Stonehenge.

The planning application for this transformation project is still pending a new ruling from the UK Secretary of State for Transport, following the annulment of the decision to grant the Development Authorization Order.

In the meantime, and to guarantee compliance with the program deadlines, National Highways has selected the MORE consortium, made up of FCC Construccion, WeBuild and BeMo Tunneling, as its preferred contractor for the works.

The announcement follows a robust procurement process, a significant part of which required shortlisted bidders to develop their design solutions and demonstrate that they met National Highways requirements.

MORE has contracted a first level design consortium, made up of Atkins, Jacobs and SENER.

The main works contract covers the construction of the civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and technological components of the proposed tunnel, including the tunnel boring machine (TBM type), together with the works and structures of proximity and the environmental components of the five-year construction phase.

Derek Parody, National Highways project manager for the A303 to Stonehenge, said: 'The contract will not become effective until the Secretary of State has completed the planning process.'

'Announcement of a preferred bidder does not in any way anticipate any decision, and once the process is complete, and in the event that the Development Consent Order is granted, having a selected contractor will put us in the strongest position to carry out this transformation plan and offer the benefits that we know it can bring'.

'The project will not only decongest this vital route of the A303, but will also preserve and enhance the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site, and the construction consortium will bring its international experience in the construction of the tunnel and the roads.'

'We are pleased to have identified our internationally renowned contractors who will also make the best use of the UK's considerable capabilities, employing local, regional and national suppliers and contractors to help them deliver the project.'

In a statement, the construction consortium stated: 'For the companies that are part of MORE -Webuild, FCC Construccion and BeMo Tunneling- this project is a clear example of the development of sustainable and innovative infrastructures that not only provide solutions for traffic, but that also improve the quality of life of people'.

'It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the experience and international technical capacity of the companies that make up the MORE consortium.'

To prepare for the construction phase, National Highways has worked closely with the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Business Association, Business West, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and the business booster Salisbury BID, and has also partnered with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to offer free online training.

This helps smaller companies improve their skills and puts them in a better position to bid on major infrastructure projects, such as the upgrade of the A303 at Stonehenge.

The preliminary works will offer initial opportunities to local, regional and national companies during the first six months of construction start-up.

Contracts for preliminary archeology and habilitation work were announced in 2020, as part of the total GBP1.7bn (EUR2m) capital cost of the project. Wessex Archaeology, one of the largest contractors in the industry, was awarded the GBP35m (EUR41.5m) archaeological mitigation contract, and Octavius ??Infrastructure (formerly Osborne) has been awarded the preliminary works contract for value of 8.5 million pounds (9.98 million euros) through the collaboration framework.

National Highways, the company responsible for England's major highways and roads, is also finalizing the process of awarding a delivery guarantee partner contract, worth up to GBP60 million (EUR70.43 million), to its due time.

The proposed improvement of the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down includes:

8 miles of free-flowing, high-quality highway.

A tunnel of at least 2 miles in length below the World Heritage site, closely following the current route of the A303, but 50 meters from the Stonehenge monument, avoiding important archaeological sites, as well as obstructing the view of the sunset from the stones during the winter solstice.

A new bypass north of the town of Winterbourne Stoke.

Junctions with the A345 and A360 on both sides of the World Heritage Site.

Contact:

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