Humanities
The shortlist of contractors for the Lower Thames Intersection project announced
Seetao 2021-09-27 15:29
  • The shortlist of some contractors for the Lower Thames Estuary has been announced, and the contract includes roads on the Thames
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The National Highway Administration announced the shortlist of contractors bidding for the connection road project of the Lower Thames River Intersection Project in the UK. These contracts cover road connections connecting the two sides of the lower Thames, with a total value of £1.9 billion.

Both sets of projects cover the design and construction of their respective connecting roads on the south bank of the Thames. Four bidders bid for a package of works south of Kent Road, called Lot 1. At the same time, two bidders bid for a package of works in Essex, north of the Thames, called Lot 2.

The £600 million Lot 1 contract in Kent will connect the Lower Thames Crossroads with the A2/M2 motorway. The Lot2 contract is worth 1.3 billion pounds and will connect the tunnel to junction 29 of M25. It is worth noting that the Kier Eiffage joint venture is also bidding for the Lot 2 contract, and its competitor is Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering. Both Lot 1 and Lot 2 will build new connecting roads within 1 km of the tunnel entrance on both sides of the Thames. These contracts will also include necessary infrastructure such as drainage facilities, traffic control systems and noise attenuation.

The Lower Thames crossing was proposed about 30 years ago, many designs were proposed and then rejected, and the project never went beyond the early planning stage. The original plan was to build a concrete box girder bridge, but it was rejected due to its intrusive nature. The project has been controversial for a long time, and has been criticized for its environmental impact, such as the need to clear forests.

However, this work is necessary to optimize transportation. As the National Highway points out, the Dartford Crossroad has been the only border crossing between Kent and Essex for nearly 60 years. This important transportation hub connects manufacturing centers, ports and distribution centers in the southeast, central and northern parts of England. It is designed for 135,000 cars per day, but now it is often seen that 180,000 cars use it every day, causing long delays. Enterprises across the country say this is an obstacle to trade and employment.

According to the National Highway Administration, the construction of the lower Thames border crossing will almost double the capacity of roads on the Thames east of London, thereby improving the journey. The winning bidder will design and build nearly 23 kilometers of new roads, connecting the longest road tunnel in the UK to the strategic road network. Matt Palmer, executive director of the Lower Thames Crossing, said: "Our roads connect us-we rely on them, and they are a key part of our economic recovery and low-carbon future. Since the completion of the M25 highway 35 years ago, The Lower Thames Crossroad is the most ambitious road project in the country.

"The challenge we face is to build a new intersection that not only supports the next generation of low-carbon cars, but also allows us to improve the natural environment and leave a positive legacy for future generations. We look forward to working with the five shortlisted companies in the procurement process The next stage, and hope that the final bid will meet our wishes."

Keywords: international engineering news, foreign engineering project information

According to the National Highway Administration, the project will solve environmental problems. The winning bidder and its supply chain will help make the Lower Thames Crossing the most environmentally friendly road project ever delivered in the UK. They will plant more than 260 hectares of new forest land, convert 400 hectares of arable land into a semi-natural habitat, and build new ponds, waterways, ditches and shrub fences to support landscaping and increase the biodiversity value of the area 15 %. They will also be responsible for seven new green bridges that connect habitats and species on both sides of the new road.Editor/Baohongying

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