Highways Agency advertises £1.5bn M25 DBFO scheme

The Highways Agency is inviting firms to bid for its biggest ever roads project in the shape of the £1.5bn M25 design, build, finance and operate scheme.

The project's main construction element is the widening of 102km of motorway, which is estimated to cost around £1.5bn.  Also included is the maintenance and refurbishment of the Bell Common and Hatfield tunnels, costing approximately £110m.

Improvements are also required to the Dartford tunnels, along with further network improvement and safety schemes to the M25, intersecting radial trunk roads and the A282 Dartford-Thurrock Crossings.

The PFI deal also includes the operation and routine, major and winter maintenance of the M25 and intersecting radial trunk roads within the HA's Area 5 road maintenance area. The HA currently spends £110m a year on operation and maintenance and about £10m a year on network improvements and safety schemes.

The length of the operational and maintenance concession is expected to be 30 years.

Firms have until 12 January 2006 to express interest in the scheme.