Amey wins 15-year Avonmouth and Severn Bridges specialist contract

05 Aug 2020

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Amey, a leading infrastructure, highways and public services provider, has been awarded the Specialist Bridge Inspection and Maintenance contract (SBIM) for Avonmouth and Severn Bridges by Highways England.

The 15-year contract, worth £16 million per annum, will see Amey manage three major structures from November 2020, each with unique characteristics and structural complexities; the M5 Avonmouth Bridge spanning 1,400m, the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge which comprises of three structures, the Avon Viaduct (2,100m), Cable Stay (948m) and Gwent Viaduct (2,077m) as well as the M48 Severn Bridge, a suspension bridge, that covers 1,600m of network and has the second highest tidal range in the world at 14.5 metres.

As part of the SBIM contract Amey will be responsible for the cyclic maintenance, daily structure inspection checks and safety patrols as well as responding to any incidents that impact the structural integrity of the bridges that make up the Avonmouth and Severn Bridges contract. In just one day, the M4 Prince of Wales bridge can expect in excess of 35,000 vehicle crossings both ways, making it a vital vein for the economy of the South West and Wales.

Amey’s Managing Director for Transport Infrastructure, Peter Anderson, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team’s achievement in securing this specialist contract looking after the Avonmouth and Severn Bridges.

“Amey will bring a wealth of innovative operational solutions and capabilities regarding bridge infrastructure, which has been recognised by Highways England, through our work on the illustrious Forth Road Bridge amongst other structures across the UK.

“Ensuring our people are safe, our ability to deliver to a high standard and putting the customer at the heart of our operations, guarantees that this approach encompasses Highways England's imperatives and is a success for both our client and those using the network.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming our new team to Amey once the contract goes live in November.”

As part of the contract, Amey will become a member of the South West Asset Delivery Community, ensuring the contract provides the best possible value for money and service to its customers through the collaborative network with suppliers and other service delivery partners operating on this contract.

Highways England Operations Director Nick Harris said: “Our roads and bridges are among the safest in the world and partnerships like this will help maintain high standards on the three large bridges in the south-west.

“By working more closely with our supply chain who carry out maintenance, we will be able to work more effectively, identify innovative ways of working and provide the best possible quality of service to road users. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Amey to our south-west community and look forward to building a successful, long-term relationship with them, driving improvement and strengthening our regional expertise together.”

The SIBM contract will involve the transfer of approximately 60 engineering employees, all bringing to Amey a wealth of knowledge and experience of the three structures.

 Picture credit: Highways England

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