The Scottish Government has rebutted claims that constructors were not interested in bidding for the £2.3bn Forth replacement crossing project for fears over cost increases and funding.
A joint venture called Forthspan – featuring Morgan Est, BAM Nuttall, Balfour Beatty and Vinci Construction Grands Projects – and a consortium comprising Hochtief, Morrison Construction, ACS and American Bridge of Pennsylvania, are the only two potential bidders for the scheme. There were initially 39 expressions of interest lodged in the scheme.
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: ‘We were pleased to receive submissions from eight top contractors from around the world. This demonstrates the enthusiasm for this scheme. The organisations consolidated into two consortia to incorporate all their extensive experience.’
The Scottish Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) said it was no surprise that firms clubbed together and just two potential bidders came forward.
CECA chief executive, Alan Watt, blamed the lack of interest on the risks of bidding for a fixed-priced contract of such a size, and said CECA was keen to see the successful bidder engage with the local supply chain to ensure the project supported Scottish businesses. ‘CECA has consistently expressed its concern about the impact of this single capital project on the rest of the Scottish transport and wider infrastructure investment programmes.
Mr Watt welcomed the decision made by the Scottish Parliament last week to include provisions for compensation to bidders, should the project be cancelled.
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