Lancashire seeks contractors for £137m Heysham-M6 link

Transport Minister Paul Clark has given the green light on a £137m link road that will ease congestion and boost economy in the region.

Lancashire County Council is seeking contractors to tender for the construction of Heysham to M6 link road including associated highway and bridge/structural works.

The Department for Transport is investing £133m in the completion of the Heysham to M6 link, which will boost economic growth and regeneration in the region by improving motorway access and cutting congestion.

In particular, the scheme will reduce congestion in Lancaster and improve road safety and the environment in the city as well as allowing for the introduction of improved public transport.

Lancashire County Council will provide the remainder of the scheme cost.

Phase 1 of the Heysham to M6 link was completed in 1994 and removed a substantial volume of traffic from residential areas in Morecambe and Heysham, including heavy goods vehicles travelling between the Port of Heysham and the M6 motorway.

The new 4.8km dual 2-lane carriageway will bypass the north of Lancaster and connect the existing A683 Heysham to M6 Link from the west of Lancaster to junction 34 of the M6 motorway near Halton.

There will be a requirement to construct 23 major structures including bridges over the West Coast Mainline railway, Lancaster Canal and the River Lune.

A park and ride site is included at the M6 junction 34 and there will be a dedicated bus lane along Caton Road into the city centre.

The deadline for submitting tenders is 27 February 2009.

The successful contractor will be engaged initially to provide input into the design process, which will be carried out by LCC and the council's consultant, programme the construction works and develop a target cost for the construction of the works.

Work on scheme will commence on 15 June, with expected completion being 15 December 2012.