Civil engineering firm starts work on £13m link road
Major works to develop a new link road in Stockport are underway after the £13m civil engineering contract was awarded to civil engineering and construction firm Graham.
Graham has been appointed by Stockport Council through the Highways England CDF Lot 2 Framework to design and construct the new Travis Brow Link Road which will create a vital link between the A6 and M60 in Stockport town centre.
The development is part of the council’s £73m town centre access plan which is currently improving access into and around Stockport town centre, by easing congestion and improving transport links for all.
The plan was developed by Stockport Council, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, with Growth Deal funding secured by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The company, which claims to be one of the country’s most experienced and trusted names in civil engineering, construction and asset management, was awarded the contract following stiff competition from industry rivals.
Graham will now work with Mott McDonald to complete the works, as well as partnering with local contractors George Cox & Sons, a renowned highway construction firm.
Graham’s civil engineering team has been involved in some of the most prestigious projects within the UK and Ireland, including the Tennison Road Bridge Replacement for Network Rail, the A138 Chelmer Viaduct for Highways England, and the high-profile M80 Stepps to Haggs Upgrade in central Scotland.
The new £13m link road comprises of a new classified road with retaining walls which carry the link road under an important Network Rail asset, the Stockport Viaduct, a grade II-listed structure which dates back to the 1840s.
The link road is a challenging civil engineering project which interfaces with the iconic railway viaduct, a disused railway tunnel and the A6 which forms part of Greater Manchester’s Key Route Network.
Additionally, the contract includes improvement works to the A6 Wellington Road North, the A5145 Travis Brow and the adjacent George’s Road. Work is anticipated to be completed in August, 2018.
Leo Martin, executive director at Graham, said: “We are delighted that Graham is the contractor of choice to complete the works for the new Travis Brow Link Road.
“This link road development forms a key part of an extensive access plan for Stockport town centre, with high-levels of expertise required in order to complete the work – especially when you take into consideration the Grade II listed viaduct and tunnel.
“Graham has a strong reputation for completing high-quality civil engineering projects which each bring their own unique complexities. Our team is well-prepared and adapts to all working landscapes to ensure that all of our projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
“We are proud to be working with Stockport Council on a development which will ultimately benefit the millions of people who will use this new link road once it is completed.”
Cllr Kate Butler, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “The new link road is vital to our vision of continuing to improve transport across Stockport town centre. It will provide motorists with a new route into and around Stockport, reducing journey times and improving connectivity for thousands of motorists a year.”
