£96m Lincoln bypass ‘will be built’ despite Carillion collpase

Lincolnshire County County officials say they are “determining the best way forward” for the £96m Lincln Eastern Bypass after last week’s collapse of construction giant Carillion.

Carillion will continue on with some works to the bypass, says the Council.

The firm won the contract to build the 7.5km road which will link the A158 Wragby Road roundabout to the A15 at Bracebridge Heath, in October 2016, after beating rivals Hochtief UK, John Sisk and Lagan JV and the Graham/Farrans JV

Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We will need to explore all of the options available for moving forward, but regardless of the route taken, I can assure you that the Lincoln Eastern Bypass will be built.

“Despite the issues facing Carillion, progress continues, with the archaeological investigations and work on the Network Rail Spalding to Lincoln railway bridge carrying on as planned today.

“However, most of Carillion’s sub-contractors have temporarily suspended their work, pending assurances that they will continue to be paid.

“It’s an incredibly complex picture and the situation is constantly changing, but we are doing all we can to get things moving in the right direction.”

Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We started the process of appointing Carillion over two years ago when share prices were good and there were no profit warnings. All of the standard procurement procedures were followed during this time, and they were announced as our preferred contractor in October 2016 and were officially awarded in December 2016. The first profit warning didn’t come until the middle of 2017.

“Works being carried out by other contractors working on the scheme will also continue, including construction of the new Network Rail bridge, archaeological investigations and Anglian Water works.”