Purpose

The funding of the A601(M) bridge and highway maintenance project was approved by Cabinet in July 2020. This was the lowest cost option for maintenance of the A601(M) over a 30-year period and included revoking the motorway status, reducing the speed limit and the replacement of Higher North Road bridge with an at grade junction as a means of achieving this.

It has now been found that the estimated cost of the new junction has increased significantly due to construction inflation adversely affecting the activities associated with that part of the project. It is now proposed to retain and repair Higher North Road bridge, that now being the lowest cost option within budget, whilst seeking to deliver the other aspects of the original project.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

Decision

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.