Tamar Road Bridge Suspension System Remedial Works

Internet address(es):

Main address: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk

Address of the buyer profile: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk

Internet address(es):

Main address: www.plymouth.gov.uk

Tamar Road Bridge Suspension System Remedial Works.

Inspection of hidden critical elements (hanger and cable band bolts) in 2014 and associated laboratory testing in 2015 revealed some anomalies in bolt hardness values.

Some additional sample hardness testing was instructed and undertaken in Summer 2016. This was further extended to full coverage hardness testing in Autumn 2016.

Preliminary results of the full testing exercise have indicated that provision for a programme of bolt replacement is now required. The nature of the proposed replacement works is of a relatively specialist nature and will involve works at height adjacent to live traffic and a waterway. The works are likely to be instructed for priority completion.

In view of the likely mobilisation period and winter working restrictions this is expected to mean a start on site in Spring 2017.

The Tamar Bridge that crosses the River Tamar between the main Towns of Saltash in Cornwall and Plymouth in Devon.

It should be noted that testing works and interpretation are still ongoing at the date of publication of this document and therefore the final scope of the works cannot yet be defined. As such, it is envisaged that the client will develop and enhance the agreed specification and scope of works in collaboration with a likely maximum of 3 Contractors to be selected to discuss possibilities and options through a formal Competitive Dialogue Procurement Process, to arrive at an optimum working solution of planned replacement for these key components of the Bridge structure over an agreed period of time. Currently, the range of work may vary from the minimal replacements of bolts, i.e. approximately 20 % out of a total of 1 374 bolts, up to full replacement and this is reflected in the estimated value of work, envisaged to be between 2 825 000 and 4 788 000 GBP.

This will be based upon demonstrable capability, availability and agreement with contractual preliminaries, more specifically:

1. An expression of interest confirming availability of suitable resource to participate in the proposed Competitive Dialogue process for its full duration.

2. Confirmation of suitability of previous relevant experience to undertake such works and a clear understanding of the Health and Safety requirements.

3. Confirmation of availability of adequate resources to undertake the works commencing with design and planning in 2017.

4. Contractor's initial views on proposed form of contract, anticipated to be NEC, tender period, risks, liabilities and insurances etc. to assist with the achievement of productive dialogue, tender, and tender assessment periods prior to contract award.

5. Contractor attendance on site for a half day visit, scheduled to commence at the Bridge Offices at 10:00 on Wednesday 25.1.2017, to allow prospective contractors to view the bridge site and some of the more accessible hangar bolts etc.

The Client will select up to 3 contractors, considered to be most suitable on the basis of the aforementioned criteria and in more specific relation to the 3 highest scored responses to the Quality based assessment questions, to be answered within the preliminary Invitation to Tender documentation.

Please note that the bolts are located across 120 Hanger locations, spanning the full length of the Bridge, and as such it is envisaged a programme of complete replacement may take between 12 and 18 months.

This opportunity is also being advertised via the Contracts Finder website from where a detailed Contractor Briefing Document can be downloaded for information purposes.