Whilst task orders will be issued for each individual projects after a target cost has been agreed, the contract value for the initial four-year period is estimated to be worth around £8m.

Under the agreement, CRL will be responsible for bridge refurbishment works in Area 9, comprising all Midland Links motorways and ‘Spaghetti Junction’ in Birmingham, parts of the M42, M6 and the M5 as far south and west as Chepstow and Shrewsbury. Area 10 in the Manchester region involves the M60 orbital motorway, parts of the M6, M53, M56, M61, M62, M67 and major trunk roads. Construction Managers for the two Areas are Amey Mouchel for Area 9 and Atkins for Area 10.

The Partnering agreement will provide benefits to both parties. Under the arrangement, the Highways Agency will obtain improved buildability through early contractor involvement in the design process, the flexibility to change events during the construction phase and cost savings through value engineering and innovation. For CRL, the company is assured of work volume and turnover, a more equitable sharing of risk and the ability to influence the design process through early involvement, which should further improve buildability.

CRL anticipate the bulk of the work to be concrete repair and cathodic protection on the elevated section of the Midland Links motorways. The first task order in Area 10, which involves remedial works to the slip road bridges from the M60 onto the Princess Parkway in Manchester, has already been actioned.