Contractors alerted to £130m Welsh bridge project

The Welsh Government has alerted contractors to a forthcoming £130m bridge-replacement deal.

Ministers in Wales published a prior information notice for the A494 River Dee Bridge contract, which set out that formal procurement is expected to get underway in May for the scheme to replace the “vital” structure.

The A494 carries traffic between Dolgellau within Snowdonia National Park and the outskirts of Chester in the North West of England.

It crosses the River Dee close to the border between the two countries on a structure carrying almost 70,000 vehicles per day.

The Welsh Government described the bridge deck as being in “poor condition”.

“Inspections and monitoring to date have concluded that the frequency of repairs and the risk of major repair and intervention requiring the closure of the bridge is growing year on year,” it added.

Five options for replacing the crossing were identified last year and put out to consultation.

The “best performing” solution would see a new bridge built to the south-east of the current structure. It would carry traffic in both directions and also feature a path for cyclists and pedestrians.

This option could further see improvements to the A494 where it passes under the North Wales Coast Railway line, as well as a new exit from the highway.

Various other works are likely to be included in the project.

The prior information notice states: “From a delivery perspective, the Welsh Government is cognisant that the scheme will require the input of both multidisciplinary consultants and works contractors.

“The Welsh Government is currently in the process of developing its delivery model and contracting model for these inputs, and this market engagement exercise is being conducted to help inform their design, as well as the procurement strategy more generally.”

Submissions from “suitably qualified organisations” are invited before midday on 21 February.