ConnectPlus says M25 widening to go ahead as planned

A Skanska Balfour Beatty joint venture is confident work will start on the £5bn widening of the M25 in April despite doubts over funding.

Leaders of the ConnectPlus consortium are currently putting together teams of subcontractors as the government confirmed it would bail-out the project if Private Finance Initiative funding flounders.

ConnectPlus is trying to raise cash from bankers to fund the £1.4bn capital cost of the first stage to widen the motorway between junctions 16-23 and 27-30.

A consortium source said: "There are stories around about the project being on hold, but there is no truth in that and we are still set for a start on site this spring.

"We are very positive and in constructive dialogue with our funders and there are also regular meetings with all the parties involved – including the government.

"We are currently putting the team together and the supply chain for the contract to ensure we can start on time."

If there is a funding shortfall, the government is set to step in with public cash to guarantee the scheme goes ahead.

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: "Co-funding is an option being considered by the government, but no decision has been made on that.

"That has to be a consideration as part of any contingency plan."

The £1.4bn currently in doubt is the 20% of the contract representing the capital cost of works.

The rest of the £5bn value consists of operating and maintaining routes that make up HA Area 5 for the next 30 years.

Widening of the M25 will take place along 60km of the route, with hard-shoulder running implemented along another 44km.