Atkins in the lead for 100m Belfast sewer system work

Atkins is understood to be in pole position for a 100m project to upgrade Belfast's sewer system.

Sources say that Atkins has beaten off fierce challenges from three competitors to clinch the prized project.

The rivals were local firm Ferguson & McIlveen, Kellogg Brown & Root and Arup Montgomery Watson.

Contractors will be invited to prequalify for the construction work either towards the end of this year or the beginning of 2004.

The scheme, for the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ire-land, includes upgrading 15km of sewers, constructing 10.4km of tunnels and building pumping stations, as well as extensive repair projects.

It is likely that the work will be split up into three main contracts, with work on site starting in September 2004.