Costain secures £100m Highways Agency contract

Costain has been appointed by the Highways Agency to deliver major improvements to the A556.

The £101.7m contract award follows on from Costain’s delivery of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase of the scheme.

Work will be carried out between M6 Junction 19 at Knutsford with M56 Junction 7 near Bowdon to create a dual carriageway over its four miles (6.5km) length, and has been designated by the Highways Agency as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

Work will commence immediately, with the new link road expected to open in 2016/7.

The scheme will contribute towards economic growth in the area, significantly improving journey time reliability, and help improve road safety in line with government targets.

Andrew Wyllie, chief executive of Costain, said: “We are delighted to have secured the delivery phase of this vital scheme, following our successful work during the ECI phase in providing specialist design consultation and securing planning approval.

“This award is further demonstration of the importance to Costain of long-term, strategic partnerships with our customers, and our ability to deliver a range of innovative integrated services.”