Amey embarks on start of construction works for Ridgemont bypass

Amey, a leading support services company, today announced that work has started on the construction phase of the Ridgemont bypass project in Bedfordshire. The £17m project was taken over by Amey in October 2005, shortly after the start of their Bedfordshire Highways MAC contract.

The commission was to design the Bypass and project manage the scheme through to completion. Bedfordshire County Council commissioned the building of the bypass for the village of Ridgemont, on the A507near Junction 13 of the M1, to cope with the increasing levels of HGV and other vehicles accessing the motorway via the village.

This scheme has involved a number of experts from across Amey who have extensive road design experience.  Following completion of a recent tender process, Birse Civils Ltd was appointed and work has now started on site.  Amey will supervise the construction of the bypass which is due to be completed by spring 2008.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire County Council stated: “Amey were awarded this important contract as we felt they had the expertise and experience to manage the process from initial design through to completed construction.  We already work with Amey through the Bedfordshire Highways Managing Agent Contract so we were confident of their ability to provide a solution that met our stringent requirements.  The fact that the team has achieved so much in one year is to be commended.”

Chris Webster, Executive Director, Amey, said: “The project team has worked incredibly hard to deliver a first-class road solution that will benefit the community of Ridgemont and improve the quality of life in their village.  The fact this has been achieved in a short period of time reflects the commitment and skills that our staff bring to such projects.”

The project involves the design of one road-over-rail crossing, two timber bowstring bridleway bridges, a five kilometre bypass section of single carriageway using as much of the existing road layout as possible, improved road alignment to comply with current standards and the creation of two roundabouts. 

Notes to Editor

Amey
Amey is a leading provider of integrated business and infrastructure services to the public and private sector and is working closely with central and local government to develop major projects, including PFI and PPP projects, in the education, health, transport and defence sectors. Services range from the management of large scale transportation infrastructure to the delivery of professional and back office services, all of which are underpinned by leading-edge technology and a genuine partnering philosophy.  Since 2003, Amey has been part of Grupo Ferrovial, one of the largest services and construction groups in Europe.

In February 2006 Amey acquired professional support services provider, Owen Williams.  Owen Williams is the professional services division of Amey, providing management and consultancy services, for clients in strategic highways and transportation, railways, operational services and local government sectors.

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