STORY Contracting has been awarded a £16.9 million contract to carry out the build of a new bridge as part of works to upgrade road connections between Motherwell and Ravenscraig.
Network Rail made the appointment on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council, with the firm carrying out the works to lift the West Coast Main Line over a new dual carriageway to be built in the area.
Final design work on the project will start next month, with the bridge being constructed over the coming year. The local authority said it will then be moved into position and installed in spring 2023 during a line closure and the rail tracks reinstated.
Councillor Paul Kelly, North Lanarkshire Council depute leader, commented, “The bridge is a key component of our plans to improve access to the Ravenscraig site and open up more opportunities for investment and development.
“It will be a major piece of engineering to construct and install the bridge, lifting the West Coast Main Line to accommodate the structure, so we are working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver the project.
“The bridge and the new road beneath will improve traffic flow to and from Ravenscraig now and in future as more homes, business, retail and leisure facilities are built on this important site, supporting the local economy across North Lanarkshire.”
Jeremy Spence, Network Rail programme manager for the proposed bridge work, added, “Network Rail has worked closely with North Lanarkshire Council throughout the development stage for the bridge work. When the new structure is moved into place next year, it will be undertaken alongside other essential activities in order to help minimise any disruption caused to rail customers and the local community.”
“The bridge is part of a wider proposal by the council in further regenerating Ravenscraig and will help create new active travel routes, something Network Rail is fully supportive of and pleased to be able to play a part in helping to deliver.”
As part of the contract, Story Contracting will provide a range of community benefits including eight full-time jobs for local people, four apprenticeships and an education with local schools, including work experience opportunities.
