Costain clinches £70m Merseyside viaduct scheme

As tipped in CJ, Costain is now understood to have clinched one of the "most rigorously assessed" road deals ever to be put out by the Highways Agency (HA).

Sources say that Costain has now overtaken its only remaining rival, Interserve, for the £70m Bidston Moss Viaduct scheme on Merseyside.

An insider told CJ: "In these difficult times, the pressure is really on clients to get value for money."

The HA is expected to formally award the deal later this month, with work on site starting around March time.

The viaduct is being strengthened for the third time. During 1998/99, it had to be fortified to meet new laws governing the introduction of 40t trucks onto UK roads.

But while work was going on, further strengthening was identified and heavy goods vehicles confined to the outside lane as a precaution.

Then a further restriction in 2005 resulted in only cars being able to use the viaduct.

A second strengthening contract was then carried out to allow HGVs to return to the viaduct - but only to the inside lane.

The latest works include steelwork strengthening, resurfacing, concrete repairs and new parapets.

Morgan Est also bid for the Bidston Moss deal, while Bilfinger Berger pulled out of the race because of "work pressures elsewhere".