FOUR bidders are in the frame to deliver a major Edinburgh tram extension.
Edinburgh City Council revealed that BAM Colas Rail JV, Dragados, Farrans Sacyr Neopul JV, and Sisk Steconfer JV will be invited to tender in mid-April for the infrastructure and systems contract relating to the line between York Place and Newhaven.
Works include the design and construction of track, overhead line, tram stops, systems infrastructure, road infrastructure and public realm.
Contractors were invited to participate in a pre-qualification process, which closed late last year. The council said the contracting strategy was “well received”, with “significant interest” received from local, national and international bidders.
Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said, “When the Outline Business Case (OBC) was approved by Council in September 2017 we pledged to test the OBC with a robust procurement process before reporting back with the Final Business Case. Our project team – the same team who successfully delivered the tram to York Place following mediation – has worked very closely with the market over the past 18 months, developing a contract strategy that meets market expectations and the requirements of the council.
“We were very pleased with the significant level of interest from local, national and international bidders and this process has resulted in a strong shortlist of experienced design and build contractors as we move on to the tender stage.”