Opening of A1-M1 link delayed

The Department of Transport has been forced to delay the opening of the A1 - M1 link, a prestigious œ210 million project running across Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. There are suggestions Tarmac had insufficient staff and vehicles to finish on time.

The scheme was originally due to open on 17 June but, at the eleventh hour, this date has had to be put back to 15 July.

Tarmac refused to comment on why its œ50 million plus contract (the last on the massive scheme) was delayed, but it is understood that the firm could incur liquidated damages.

The contract for the stretch between Catthorpe and Rothwell was originally due to be finished in December 1993. Since then there have been two extensions of time granted but these run out this month). Liability for the latest overrun will be the subject of a wrangle between contractor and client, said a CoI spokesperson.

The A1-M1 link is the largest stretch of road to be built in this country since the opening of the M40.

It is 72km long and links the M1/M6 at Catthorpe in Leicestershire with the A1/A604 near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.

The scheme has been built under 12 different contracts with the lion's share of the work being done by Tarmac, which has landed five jobs.

Other firms to have worked on the scheme are: May Gurney, Fitzpatrick, Balfour Beatty, McAlpine/Budge, Boot and Cementation.