Leading construction firms are set to compete for the contract to deliver traffic flow technology along the M90 in Fife as part of the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) scheme.

They comprise Morrison Construction; John Graham; a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and Costain; and Forthspan, a consortium comprising Morgan Sindall; Bam Nuttall; Balfour Beatty and MT Hojgaard.

The Fife works will form part of a 14 mile (22 km) ITS corridor that extends from the M9 Junction 1 at Newbridge to the M90 Halbeath Junction. Overhead signal gantries along this corridor will aim to keep traffic moving smoothly by providing traffic, lane control and mandatory speed control and information to drivers via variable message signs (VMS).

Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson, said: “The FRC project is a vital part of this Government’s efforts to accelerate recovery and safeguard sustainable economic growth by investing in Scotland’s transport infrastructure

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“The ITS system is an essential part of the FRC proposals and will help manage congestion, improve the reliability of journey times across the Forth and reduce the likelihood and impact of accidents.

“This latest announcement further demonstrates the positive progress being made on the most significant infrastructure development in this country for a generation and that, subject to the approval of the Forth Crossing Bill by the Scottish Parliament, the project remains on schedule for delivery on time and within budget by 2016.”

Additional benefits include the refurbishment of the M90 southbound hard shoulder, enabling it to be used as a bus lane and limiting any impact of traffic queuing on public transport journey times.

Mr Stevenson added: “The high level of competition for this latest contract also continues to demonstrate construction industry’s significant enthusiasm for the FRC project. This will ensure a field of high-quality, experienced candidates and continue to help us deliver the best value-for-money for the public purse.”

Transport Scotland received five prequalification submissions following the publication of the Contract Notice on 2 July 2010. The top four submissions were determined following an assessment of each applicant’s financial and technical capabilities.

It is intended that these four will enter into competitive dialogue with Transport Scotland in November to discuss their proposals, before submitting a final tender early in 2011. It is anticipated the award of the Fife ITS contract will then be made in May 2011 with construction expected to begin soon after.

(GK)