A new way to deliver a ‘key’ replacement bridge in Clydesdale is being sought by South Lanarkshire Council.
It comes after the firm which secured the winning bid in the procurement process to replace Clyde Bridge withdrew their tender.
The crossing closed in late 2018 after ‘significant’ defects were picked up during a routine inspection. Despite ‘unavoidable’ delays, the council said it has ‘repeatedly’ committed to replacing the bridge.
Last month, it identified additional funding to keep the project on track despite increasing costs and global supply issues. However, following the notification from the contractor that it couldn’t proceed with the build, the council turned to the second ranked contractor – which also said it could not deliver the project within tender price.
Colin Park, head of roads and transportation at South Lanarkshire Council, said, “I understand that this will be deeply disappointing news to local people. We share that disappointment as we had thought we were on the brink of proceeding with this much-needed project.
“However, we remain committed to replacing Clyde Bridge as soon as possible. The council is urgently considering the options for an alternative procurement route to deliver the bridge at the earliest opportunity.”
