Suffolk County Council has announced that leading civil engineering contractor, BAM Nuttall, has won the contract for the first stage of completing the Lake Lothing Third Crossing in Lowestoft. The contract will start on 1 November 2018.
Following a comprehensive tender process and approval by Suffolk County Council’s cabinet, BAM Nuttall will now finalise the design of the crossing, ready for building. The award of the construction stage of the contract, is scheduled to be announced in the Autumn of 2019.
The Lake Lothing Third Crossing is being built with the aim of reducing vehicle congestion in the town and boosting the local economy.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The cabinet unanimously approve the award of this contract, which is a huge milestone in the building of this bridge. Following diligent work from the project teams at the council, we have selected a contractor which we believe brings a balance of high-quality work and value for money. This project will be a big boost to both the people and economy of Lowestoft.”
BAM Nuttall already has strong links to the region, having worked on projects such as Great Yarmouth Flood Alleviation Scheme and ABP Ipswich Quay Works. They also have a regional base in Thetford and earlier this year, held an event to meet contractors in the area to help support the local economy.
Ewan Barr, Project Director at BAM Nuttall said: “We’re excited to be involved in a project which is going to have such a positive impact on people and businesses in Lowestoft. We have an award-winning track record of working on projects of national importance and look forward to delivering a new iconic landmark for the town and the east of England. We plan to open an office near the construction site in the coming months.”
Peter Aldous MP for Waveney added: “The award of this contract is a significant and important event in the construction of the 3rd Crossing, which is so important to Lowestoft and the surrounding area. I look forward to meeting and working with BAM Nuttall in the coming months.”
This contractor announcement coincides with the next official stage of the project which involves the government’s Planning Inspectorate. This is the Examination Stage, which should begin in December, and will last up to six months. During this time interested parties, such as local businesses, are formally invited share their views of the project at hearings and in writing, with the Planning Inspectorate.
At the end of the Examination Stage, the Planning Inspector has up to three months to prepare a report and a recommendation on the application for the relevant Secretary of State.